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Jennifer Farber Dulos was a mother of five who disappeared without a trace during a high-stakes divorce. What followed was a $2.5 million legal battle that exposed the unique vulnerabilities of an estate in the midst of a family crisis. Our Marriage, Murder, and Money (MMM) series continues as we begin a deep dive into the tragic story of Fotis Dulos. In this opening installment, we explore how Jennifer’s family used the Probate Court to freeze assets and protect the children even before a body was found. From the massive lawsuits filed by her mother, Gloria, to the strategic use of an “Absentee Estate,” we break down the legal roadmap that every family should understand.

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Harold Henthorn took his wife Toni on a hike in Rocky Mountain National Park — and came home alone. What followed was a $4.5 million battle that exposed every vulnerability in their estate plan. In Part 2 of Marriage, Murder & Money, attorney and CPA Joe Cordell breaks down the Henthorn case from the inside — not as a crime story, but as a case study in how estate law responds when your spouse becomes your killer.

What this episode covers:

• How Harold secretly changed the beneficiary on Toni’s life insurance — from their daughter Haley’s trust to himself

• Why insurance companies filed interpleader actions instead of paying out — and what that tells you about your own policies

• How Toni’s family (the Bertolets) used probate as a weapon to freeze Harold’s access to her estate

• Why Harold was removed as personal representative and replaced with a court-appointed special administrator

• What the Slayer Statute is, and exactly how it blocked Harold from collecting on Toni’s $4.5 million

• The one estate planning move — naming a contingent beneficiary — that could have protected Haley from day one

The trial ends at the verdict. The estate battle is a different story entirely.

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In Part 2 of this Life’s Third Act series, we continue breaking down the Michael Jackson estate and trust, focusing on the real-world conflicts that arise after the plan is in place. This episode explores the growing tension between trustees and beneficiaries, including disputes over spending, investment decisions like the upcoming biopic, and frustrations around communication and transparency. We also unpack how probate delays, IRS battles, and ongoing litigation have impacted distributions to Michael Jackson’s children, and why even a highly successful estate can still create friction. Finally, we bring it back to practical estate planning lessons, including how to structure communication, choose the right trustee, and draft a trust that anticipates conflict before it happens. Stay tuned as we turn one of the most high-profile estates in history into actionable guidance you can use in your own planning.

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!

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In this episode of Life’s Third Act, we wrap up our two-part series on Robert Duvall by breaking down how his estate plan actually worked in practice. From trusts and LLCs to intellectual property management and real estate, we walk through the structures he used to protect his wealth, minimize conflict, and carry out his long-term goals. If Part 1 covered what he wanted to accomplish, Part 2 shows how he made it happen—and what you can learn from it when planning your own estate.

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!

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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!