Estate planning horror stories are more common than you might think. Families torn apart by disputes, unintended beneficiaries walking away with millions, and loved ones left with nothing—it happens all the time when estate plans are not properly prepared.
When your estate plan isn’t properly prepared, many things can go wrong, according to a recent article from Kiplinger, “Wills Gone Wild: How to Avoid Estate Planning Disasters.” Take for example, the case of a woman who intended to leave her fortune to her beloved cats. Instead, her veterinarian inherited $3.5 million. Or the father who thought he had created a simple will for his three children, only to have his estate divided into dozens of tiny shares among grandchildren he never intended to include. These are just a few of the real-life consequences of estate planning gone wrong.
At Vick Law, we help individuals and families avoid costly mistakes and legal battles by crafting estate plans that clearly outline their wishes and protect their loved ones. Here’s how to avoid becoming an estate planning horror story.
The Most Common Estate Planning Disasters—and How to Avoid Them
1. Handwritten or DIY Wills Can Lead to Chaos
Aretha Franklin’s passing provided a cautionary tale—two handwritten wills were found in her home, one tucked away in a locked cabinet and another hidden under a couch cushion. Her four sons spent years battling in court to determine which will was valid.
Lesson Learned: Many states do not accept handwritten (holographic) wills, and even when they do, multiple versions can cause confusion and lead to expensive legal disputes. A professionally drafted will ensures clarity and prevents family conflicts.
2. Online Wills May Not Work as Intended
A father who tried to draft his own will online ended up accidentally dividing his estate among his children and grandchildren, creating dozens of unintended heirs. Instead of an equal split among his three children, his estate was divided into dozens of smaller portions.
Lesson Learned: Online templates don’t account for complex family dynamics. An estate planning attorney ensures your will reflects your exact wishes and prevents costly misinterpretations.
3. Second Marriages Can Disinherit Children from the First Marriage
Many remarried individuals intend to leave their estate to a new spouse while still providing for children from a first marriage. However, if proper legal safeguards aren’t in place, the new spouse can inherit everything—and is under no obligation to leave anything to stepchildren.
Lesson Learned: Trusts and estate planning strategies can ensure both spouses and biological children receive their fair share. Without them, a surviving spouse can legally change the will and disinherit stepchildren entirely.
4. Elder Abuse and Financial Exploitation Are Real Threats
Elderly individuals—especially those in declining health or cognitive decline—are frequent targets for financial exploitation. One case involved a caregiver convincing an elderly man to make her the beneficiary of a $500,000 CD and a vacation home while his housemate was hospitalized.
Lesson Learned: Assigning a trusted power of attorney and establishing legal safeguards can protect seniors from financial predators.
5. Pet Planning Can Go Horribly Wrong
Some pet owners want to leave their fortune to their furry companions—but without proper planning, it can backfire. In one case, a veterinarian unexpectedly inherited $3.5 million instead of the client’s beloved cats. Fortunately, he chose to donate the excess funds to animal charities—but he wasn’t legally required to do so.
Lesson Learned: A pet trust ensures your pet is cared for exactly as you wish, with funds legally allocated for their ongoing care.
How Vick Law Can Help You Avoid an Estate Planning Nightmare
Without a proper estate plan, your family’s future could be left in the hands of a judge—or worse, an unintended beneficiary. At Vick Law, we create customized estate plans that protect your assets, honor your wishes, and prevent costly legal battles.
✅ Create a legally sound will and trust
✅ Protect children from previous marriages
✅ Guard against elder financial abuse
✅ Ensure pets are properly cared for
✅ Keep your estate out of unnecessary probate
Don’t leave your legacy to chance. Call Vick Law today at 317-593-9853 or visit HERE to schedule a consultation and secure your family’s future.
Reference: Kiplinger (Jan. 29, 2025) “Wills Gone Wild: How to Avoid Estate Planning Disasters”
