Absolute Trust Talk

In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, Kirsten Howe, managing attorney at Absolute Trust Counsel, and associate attorney Jessica Colbert examine the estate of beloved actor Gene Hackman. They meticulously analyze the available court records from Santa Fe County, New Mexico, and contrast them with California's probate procedures. The attorneys skillfully debunk sensationalized headlines about Hackman's will, explaining the mechanics of pour-over wills and why media claims about his children being "cut out" are potentially misleading. While much of the discussion is speculation, they provide valuable insights into how proper estate planning anticipates contingencies like beneficiaries predeceasing the trustor. This episode demonstrates why understanding the difference between public court filings and private trust documents is crucial for anyone planning their estate.   Time-stamped Show Notes: 0:00 Introduction 2:39 Unraveling the court filings: What exactly was submitted in Santa Fe County after Ge