Anna Nicole Smith’s Estate: Tragedy, Probate, and Family Battle – PT2 – EP. 214 – Life’s Third Act

In Part 2 of our deep dive into Anna Nicole Smith’s estate, we break down how one of the most complex and drawn-out legal battles in recent history finally came to a close. After years of litigation involving the estate of J. Howard Marshall, the case expanded into disputes over paternity, burial rights, and a deeply flawed will that created even more legal chaos. Multiple courts across different states weighed in, and the outcome ultimately came down to technical legal rules rather than the underlying facts. We also walk through what went wrong and what can be learned from it. This case highlights how relying on a will alone can create unintended consequences, how unclear or outdated documents can lead to costly litigation, and why proper estate planning can help families avoid court altogether. If you want to understand how these situations play out and how to protect your own family from similar issues, this is an episode worth watching.

Call 866-323-7529 or visit https://cordellcordell.com/practice-areas/estate-planning/ to schedule an estate planning consultation. For a limited time, mention LIFE’S THIRD ACT for 15% off eligible estate planning services!

Anna Nicole Smith’s Estate: Tragedy, Probate, and Family Battle – PT1 – EP. 213 – Life’s Third Act

In this episode of Life’s Third Act, John Sauter breaks down the life, death, and legal aftermath of Anna Nicole Smith. From her marriage to Texas billionaire J. Howard Marshall to the probate fight, bankruptcy case, and Supreme Court battle that followed, this story touches nearly every corner of estate law. Part one explores the family dynamics, estate planning decisions, and courtroom conflicts that made this one of the most unusual celebrity estate cases in recent memory. Tune in next week for Part 2, where the story continues as the legal battle escalates even further, raising new questions about paternity, inheritance, and who ultimately walks away with the fortune.

Call 866-323-7529 or visit https://cordellcordell.com/practice-areas/estate-planning/ to schedule an estate planning consultation. For a limited time, mention LIFE’S THIRD ACT for 15% off eligible estate planning services!

Five More of the Strangest Wills – EP. 212 – Life’s Third Act

In this episode of Life’s Third Act, Cordell & Cordell Senior Estate Planning Attorney John Sauter takes a look at five more unusual and fascinating estate plans. This is a continuation of a previous episode where we covered five other strange wills, and today John breaks down five more real-world examples, including Gene Roddenberry, Tennessee Williams, Marlon Brando, Aretha Franklin, and Leona Helmsley. Along the way, he highlights what these stories can teach us about estate planning—from no-contest clauses and burial instructions to handwritten wills, trust planning, and how clear communication can help prevent family conflict.

Call 866-323-7529 or visit https://cordellcordell.com/practice-areas/estate-planning/ to schedule an estate planning consultation. For a limited time, mention LIFE’S THIRD ACT for 15% off eligible estate planning services!