Even convicted murderers, like Charles Manson, leave behind estates when they pass away. Most do not plan for how their estates should be handled, but Manson did.
It might seem strange to think that there is something everyone can learn from Charles Manson. The man was a monster responsible for horrific murders.
However, from his death, it is possible to learn an important point in estate planning.
What is it? That everyone has an estate of some sort.
When people think about having an estate, they often think it is something only rich people have. The implications are that people who are not wealthy do not need estate plans because they do not really have estates.
Manson knew he had an estate though and he made plans for it, as TMZ reports in "Charles Manson Will Surfaces Pen Pal Gets Everything."
While Manson was in prison he developed a friendship with someone who the press is not identifying by name for privacy reasons.
The man and Manson became pen pals. They even talked on the phone and the man visited Manson in prison.
This relationship prompted Manson to write a will in 2002 leaving the man everything Manson owns. It specifically disinherits all of Manson's known family members.
There might actually be some value in Manson's estate, since collectors might want some of his personal items and Manson wrote a few songs that he copyrighted.
The important thing is that if even an imprisoned monster like Manson has an estate and can make plans for it, then you have an estate too and should plan accordingly.
Reference: TMZ (November 24, 2017) "Charles Manson Will Surfaces Pen Pal Gets Everything."
Comments