When Hollywood legend Gene Hackman passed away in February 2025 at the age of 95, he left behind more than an impressive film career—he left behind a tangled estate plan. Despite decades of success and ample resources, even someone as iconic as Hackman made a mistake that families across the country can learn from: assuming your estate plan will always reflect your wishes, even if you don’t keep it updated.
At Voorhees Law Group, we’ve seen how avoidable estate planning mistakes can cause lasting stress, confusion, and heartbreak. Hackman’s case is a clear example of why proper, proactive planning matters.
Where Things Went Wrong
Hackman had a will, drafted in 2005, that left his $80 million estate entirely to his wife of 30 years, Betsy Arakawa. But in a tragic turn of events, Betsy passed away just one week before he did.
The problem? He hadn’t named any alternate beneficiaries. Without a clear Plan B, everything was up in the air.
Now, his adult children—who weren’t mentioned in the will—may inherit everything. Charities Betsy supported might also step in with claims. The end result? Legal uncertainty, possible conflict, and outcomes Hackman may never have wanted.
5 Estate Planning Lessons from the Hackman Case
- Update Your Plan—Often
Twenty years passed between Hackman’s last estate plan update and his death. In that time, laws changed, people changed, and life happened. An outdated plan is often as risky as no plan at all.
What to do: We recommend reviewing your estate plan every 3–5 years or any time there’s a major life event—births, deaths, moves, health issues, or financial shifts. - Always Name Backup Beneficiaries
Hackman named only his wife. Once she passed, the plan stopped there.
What to do: Always include contingent beneficiaries. They ensure your assets go where you intend, even if your first choice is no longer living. - Don’t Rely on a Will Alone
Probate is public, expensive, and slow. And without a trust, there’s little flexibility or protection.
What to do: A living trust allows for smoother transitions, privacy, and greater control. We help clients assess if a trust makes sense for their goals. - Plan for Incapacity, Too
Reports suggest Hackman may have had Alzheimer’s in his final years. Without proper powers of attorney, loved ones may have been left scrambling.
What to do: Put powers of attorney and medical directives in place while you’re still able to make those decisions yourself. - Be Honest About Family Dynamics
Hackman was open about his strained relationships with his children. That kind of tension can flare into full-blown conflict without clear direction.
What to do: If you’re making unusual choices in your estate plan, communicate them now—or document them clearly to avoid confusion or resentment later.
Is It Time to Review Your Plan?
If any of the following apply, your estate plan may be outdated:
- It’s more than 5 years old
- You’ve experienced major life events
- You’ve moved to a different state
- You’ve had a significant health change
- You’ve acquired (or lost) significant assets
- You only have a will—no trust
- You haven’t reviewed your beneficiary designations
- You own a business or digital property
If any of this sounds familiar, it’s time for a conversation.
Without a Plan, the Court Decides
With no backup plan, Hackman’s estate may now head into court, where his children and charities could face off. When that happens, emotions rise, taxes increase, and control disappears. It’s a mess no family wants to be left with.
And it’s entirely preventable.
Protect Your Legacy—Before It’s Too Late
You don’t have to be a movie star to make smart choices about your legacy. Whether your estate is simple or complex, the goal is the same: make a clear plan, keep it current, and protect the people you love.
Let Gene Hackman’s estate be your reminder. You have the chance to get this right—starting today.
Request a free consultation and let’s make sure your legacy lands exactly where it’s meant to.