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

/0 Comments/in , /by

Subscribe: RSS

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

/0 Comments/in , /by

Subscribe: RSS

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!

Steve Irwin’s Estate Plan: The Lesson Behind the Legend – Pt.2 – EP. 211 – Life’s Third Act

/0 Comments/in , /by

Subscribe: RSS

In Part 2 of our discussion on Steve Irwin, we focus on what happened to his estate and conservation mission after his sudden death at age 44. When the face of a business or nonprofit is gone overnight, the real challenge begins. How do you keep operations running? Where does liquidity come from? And is a will alone enough to protect the surviving spouse and children? In this episode of Life’s Third Act, sponsored by Cordell & Cordell, we examine how Steve’s will provided direction, where funding gaps created stress, and how tools like trusts and life insurance could have eased the transition. We also discuss a common entrepreneurial blind spot: assuming there will always be more time to plan. Terry Irwin’s resilience ultimately preserved the legacy they built. But this story is a powerful reminder that a plan must fund the transition, not just outline the vision. Subscribe for weekly conversations focused exclusively on estate planning, retirement, and your financial future.

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!

Steve Irwin’s Estate Plan: The Lesson Behind the Legend – Pt.1 – EP. 210 – Life’s Third Act

/0 Comments/in , /by

Subscribe: RSS

What really happened with Steve Irwin’s estate planning? The internet often suggests his plan fell short, but the full story is more nuanced. In Part 1 of this two-part discussion, Life’s Third Act takes a closer look at the legacy of Steve Irwin and the estate planning lessons business owners and families can learn from his story. While his mission-driven approach to conservation built an extraordinary global brand, it also created real challenges around liquidity, succession, and key-person risk after his unexpected death. In this first episode, we break down who Steve Irwin was, how his conservation empire was structured, and why his estate was anything but typical. In Part 2, we will examine what happened after his passing, where the real pressure points emerged, and the specific planning moves that could have made the transition smoother. If you own a business, support a mission-driven organization, or want to ensure your family is protected, this discussion offers practical insights you can apply today. Subscribe for more conversations on estate planning, retirement, and protecting what matters most. Cordell & Cordell is your partner for estate planning and beyond.

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!

Healthcare Power of Attorney Explained – EP. 209 – Life’s Third Act

/0 Comments/in , /by

Subscribe: RSS

In this solo episode of Life’s Third Act, senior estate planning attorney John Sauter breaks down the essentials of a Healthcare Power of Attorney and why it plays a critical role in protecting your wishes if you’re ever unable to speak for yourself. He explains how key documents like a healthcare POA, HIPAA release, and living will work together to guide medical decisions, designate a trusted advocate, and provide clarity during difficult moments. John also shares practical insight on choosing the right person, communicating your preferences, and avoiding the complications families can face when no plan is in place.

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 of the Strangest Wills – EP. 209 – Life’s Third Act

/0 Comments/in , /by

Subscribe: RSS

Explore five of the strangest wills on record, from Jeremy Bentham’s “auto-icon” still attending meetings in London to a Portuguese aristocrat who picked beneficiaries straight from the phone book. Attorney CPA Joe Cordell and Senior Estate Planning Attorney John Sauter unpack the real legal lessons behind these odd stories, including what courts will (and will not) enforce, why vague language can spark litigation, and how tools like trusts (including pet trusts) can help balance control with flexibility.

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!

 

Financial Power of Attorney Explained – EP. 208 – Life’s Third Act

/0 Comments/in , /by

Subscribe: RSS

In this episode of Life’s Third Act, senior estate planning attorney John Sauter breaks down the financial power of attorney and why it matters while you are still alive. Learn what a financial POA is, how a durable POA works, and what can happen if you do not have one in place, including the court process for conservatorships or guardianships. John also covers how to choose the right agent, why backups matter, the difference between immediate and springing powers of attorney, and common real world mistakes to avoid, like adding someone as a joint owner on a bank account.

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!

Estate Planning Questions, Answered | How Trusts Work – EP. 207 – LTA

/0 Comments/in , /by

Subscribe: RSS

How do trusts actually work once they’re created? In this episode of Life’s Third Act, we break down how revocable trusts function in real life, what it means to fund a trust, how assets are managed while you’re alive, and what happens if something is left outside the trust. We also address common misconceptions about cost, complexity, and who trusts are really for, helping you understand whether a trust makes sense for your estate plan.

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!

Diane Keaton’s Estate Plan: Trusts, Residuals, and Real Estate – EP. 206 – LTA

/0 Comments/in , /by

Subscribe: RSS

In this episode of Life’s Third Act, we take a closer look at how Diane Keaton built her career, managed her wealth, and thoughtfully planned her estate. From understanding residual income and long-term royalties to strategic real estate investments and the use of trusts, her story offers practical lessons on how successful planning happens over time.

Rather than focusing on mistakes, this episode highlights a positive example of disciplined decision-making, showing how careful planning can protect assets, support family, and preserve a legacy. The discussion provides clear, real-world insights into finishing well and why estate planning is most effective when it starts long before the end.

Order Diane Keaton’s book “Then Again” referenced in the episode here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/196460/then-again-by-diane-keaton/

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!

Estate Planning Questions, Answered | Wills & Probate – EP. 205 – LTA

/0 Comments/in , /by

Subscribe: RSS

This week on Life’s Third Act, Joe Cordell and Cordell & Cordell estate planning attorney John Sauter continue their conversation answering commonly searched estate planning questions, picking up where last week left off. In this second half of the discussion, they focus on wills, probate, and why a will alone only takes effect at death. Joe and John walk through what actually happens during probate, including court oversight, creditor claims, delays, and costs, and explain how titled property drives the process. They also compare the long-term cost of probate versus the upfront investment in a trust, clarify how trusts operate continuously through incapacity and death, and explain how pour-over wills work alongside a trust to catch anything left outside. The episode closes with a practical look at why comprehensive planning matters for protecting your needs during life and your family’s future after you’re gone.

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!