Jimmy Buffett’s Estate Battle: Lessons from Margaritaville – PT. 3 – EP. 187 – Life’s Third Act

Call 866-323-7529 or visit CordellCordell.com to schedule an estate planning consultation.

In the final installment of this three-part series, Life’s Third Act host, Joe Cordell, and co-host Sherry Farmer dive into the escalating legal battle over Jimmy Buffett’s $275 million estate.

This episode unpacks the brewing conflict between Buffett’s widow, Jane Buffett, and longtime business manager, Richard Mozenter, as they clash over control of the marital trust and the administration of Buffett’s assets. From dueling lawsuits in Florida and California to accusations of mismanagement and breach of fiduciary duty, the dispute reveals how even the most carefully planned estates can spiral into costly litigation.

More than a celebrity saga, this episode highlights critical lessons about selecting trustees, avoiding family disputes, and structuring your estate to protect your legacy and loved ones.

Whether you’re a Jimmy Buffett fan, planning your own estate, or simply fascinated by high-profile legal battles, this episode offers valuable insights into why clear, strategic estate planning matters.

Jimmy Buffett’s Estate Battle: Lessons from Margaritaville – PT. 2 – EP. 186 – Life’s Third Act

Call 866-323-7529 or visit CordellCordell.com to schedule an estate planning consultation.

In the second installment of this three-part series, Life’s Third Act host, Joe Cordell and co-host Sherry Farmer discuss the life, music, and merchandising empire of the King of Margaritaville himself, Jimmy Buffett.

In this episode, we unpack how Jimmy Buffett transformed his timeless hit Margaritaville, into resorts, restaurants, and lifestyle experiencesbuilding a multi-million dollar merchandising empire.

But this is more than a success story. After Buffett passed in 2023, his $275 million estate became the center of a bitter legal battle between his widow, Jane Buffett, and longtime business manager Richard Mozenter.

Whether you’re dedicated to Buffett’s world or focused on securing your own legacy, this episode shows why estate planning must be strategic, transparent, and resilient. Stay tuned for Part Three, where we turn our attention to other celebrity estates and the pivotal lessons they teach.

Jimmy Buffett’s Estate Battle: Lessons from Margaritaville – PT. 1 – EP. 185 – Life’s Third Act

In the first installment of this three-part series, Life’s Third Act host, Joe Cordell and co-host Sherry Farmer discuss the life, music, and merchandising empire of the King of Margaritaville himself, Jimmy Buffett.

From chart-topping hits like Margaritaville to building a billion-dollar lifestyle brand of restaurants, resorts, and merchandise, Buffett created a legacy that went far beyond music. Joe and Sherry discuss how Buffett’s unique approach to branding, licensing, and business partnerships turned his laid-back persona into a lasting empire.

Whether you are a Jimmy Buffett fan, a business owner, or simply interested in how celebrity estates are structured and protected, this episode offers valuable insights into legacy planning at the highest level.

Tune in for Part Two as we delve further into Brian Wilson’s legacy and lessons we can learn from his estate.

Tony Bennett’s Estate: When Families and Fortunes Collide – PT. 2 – EP. 184 – Life’s Third Act

In part two of our series covering Tony Bennett, host Joe Cordell and co-host Sherry Farmer continue their discussion on the famed musician’s estate and the lessons we can learn.

Famed for his timeless voice and enduring career, Bennett became a beloved figure across generations with classics like I Left My Heart in San Francisco. But beyond the spotlight was a deeply human story that included his battle with Alzheimer’s, the management of his music rights, and the careful planning behind his estate.

Though Bennett built a remarkable legacy and substantial wealth, his story highlights the importance of estate planning, long-term care considerations, and protecting creative assets. Joe and Sherry discuss the key legal takeaways from his life and estate, including planning guardianship, managing royalties and intellectual property, avoiding exploitation in later life, and preserving a legacy through trusts and family planning.