On June 19, 2013, famous Hollywood actor James Gandolfini tragically died. Gandolfini left behind a $70 million estate. Gandolfini died, leaving behind a 13-year-old son and an infant daughter. He was a star on the hit HBO TV show, “The Sopranos.”
Gandolfini’s will was filed on Tuesday, July 2. The will was dated December 19, 2012. Gandolfini reportedly left the bulk of his estate as follows:
- Michael Gandolfini, James’s son, is receiving the largest chunk of the assets. The property is to be set aside in a trust for his benefit until he turns 21.
- Michael will share in his father’s property in Italy with his 8-month-old half-sister, Liliana. She will receive her inheritance when she turns 25.
- The remainder of the estate, consisting of millions of dollars, was left to his wife, sisters, and daughter.
- $200,000 each was left to his personal assistants and his secretary.
Gandolfini’s will represents just the initial filing relating to his estate. It is expected that further filings will soon follow.
Had Gandolfini used a living trust in California when preparing his estate, he may have been able to keep much of this information more private. Living trusts often avoid intervention by the probate courts. This may result in the trust instrument itself remaining private, thereby protecting the information relating to who is receiving which assets.
Actor James Gandolfini died suddenly, leaving behind $70 million for his beneficiaries and heirs. View here for more from an Anaheim trust attorney. Contact our office of experienced Anaheim trust attorneys today for further information about estate plan implementation in California. Call our office at (714) 282-7488 for a consultation.