What should planners consider when an irrevocable trust no longer fits the family it was designed to serve?

For estate planning professionals advising families with closely held businesses, that question can become especially difficult when beneficiaries have different roles, financial interests and ideas about the company’s future.

In this episode of Celebrity Estates, Senior Editor David Lenok speaks with Mark Parthemer, Chief Wealth Strategist at Glenmede Trust Company, about the Murdoch family trust dispute and what it can teach advisors and families about irrevocable trust planning.

Using the fight over control of Rupert Murdoch’s media companies as a starting point, Mark explains why an irrevocable trust may sometimes be modified, why changing personal preferences usually isn’t enough, and how combining equal economic interests with equal voting rights can create problems when only some family members are involved in the business.

David and Mark also examine the difference between family governance and legal control, ways trust protectors and decanting provisions can provide flexibility, and why estate plans can become outdated as families change. Their conversation also covers privacy, revocable trusts and the importance of thinking carefully about how a trust should respond to circumstances that may look very different decades into the future.

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About Our Guest:

Mark Parthemer is Glenmede Trust Company’s National Chief Wealth Strategist. He is responsible for developing and communicating Glenmede’s position and strategy concerning tax, estate planning, and fiduciary matters pertinent to clients and their advisors.

Prior to joining Glenmede, Mr. Parthemer served as managing director for TIAA and managing director and senior fiduciary counsel for Bessemer Trust, working with ultra-high-net-worth clients to deliver sophisticated tax and estate planning advice and provide tailored guidance. His previous roles include law partner at Duane Morris, LLP, and senior tax professional at PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Mr. Parthemer is on the board of directors of the Florida Bankers Association and immediate past president of its Trust and Wealth Management Division. He is also group vice chair for the American Bar Association, RPTE Trusts and Estate Practice Group.

Couples often treat prenuptial agreements as something to worry about only if a marriage ends, but many of the most useful decisions happen long before that possibility ever arises.

The process can bring financial expectations, family responsibilities and future planning into the open while both people are still working toward the same goals.

In this episode of Celebrity Estates, Senior Editor David Lenok speaks with Paul Karger, co-founder and managing partner at TwinFocus, about the role prenuptial agreements can play in marriage, estate planning and family wealth decisions.

Using the recent marriage of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce as a starting point, Paul explains why prenups can help couples clarify ownership, protect individual assets and reduce the chance of costly disputes if circumstances change.

David and Paul also examine why both parties need full financial disclosure and separate legal representation, how prenups should coordinate with trusts and estate plans, and why couples need to follow the agreement after the wedding when buying property or combining assets. Their conversation also looks at postnuptial agreements, tax considerations, family governance and the value of beginning these discussions well before the wedding date.

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Known for his discretion, global perspective, extensive worldwide network, and ability to solve complex challenges, Paul serves as a trusted confidant to a select group of families navigating the multifaceted demands of wealth, legacy, and cross-border complexity. He is often the first call for clients confronting high-stakes financial and personal decisions where judgment, nuance, and confidentiality are essential.

Paul earned a B.S. in Engineering from Boston University, which recognized him with its Outstanding Alumni Award in 2012. Earlier in his career, he founded The Karger Group at UBS and began in investment banking at Leerink.

Beyond TwinFocus, Paul co-founded and serves as Foundation Board President of Bridge Boston Charter School. Paul also serves on the boards of Level Ground and Commonwealth Shakespeare Company. Appointed by Governor Charlie Baker, he chaired the Massachusetts State Athletic Commission from 2016 to 2022. A lifelong martial artist, he actively trains and competes in Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Jeet Kune Do.

Families often assume everything will work itself out after a major loss, until unanswered questions and outdated decisions start creating confusion.

The hardest part usually isn’t the paperwork itself, it’s the conversations that never happened beforehand.

In this episode of Celebrity Estates, Senior Editor David Lenok speaks with Brad Repinsky, director of estate, tax and financial planning at Signature Estate and Investment Advisors, about the estate planning lessons connected to Heath Ledger’s story. 

Using Ledger’s outdated will as a starting point, Brad explains why estate plans should evolve alongside marriages, children, shifting family relationships and changing financial circumstances.

David and Brad also discuss the importance of involving spouses and adult children in financial conversations earlier, how beneficiary designations can unintentionally disrupt a carefully structured plan, and why simplifying accounts can make estate administration easier for surviving family members. Their conversation highlights how ongoing reviews and open communication can help families avoid unnecessary stress later on.

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Brad Repinsky is the Director of Estate, Tax, and Financial Planning at Signature Estate and Investment Advisors, where he works with high-net-worth families on estate planning, wealth transfer, and long-term financial planning strategies. His work focuses on helping families navigate topics such as beneficiary designations, trust structures, retirement planning, and multi-generational wealth conversations. Brad is particularly passionate about helping clients simplify complex financial situations and create plans that evolve alongside changing family dynamics and life events.

Estate planning often becomes far more difficult when families inherit assets tied to royalties, licensing rights and public image. Clear communication and preparation can make the difference between unity and conflict after a loved one passes away.

In this episode of Celebrity Estates, Senior Editor David Lenok speaks with Scott Rahn, trust and estates litigator and founding partner of RMO LLP, about the estate of Chuck Norris and the planning considerations tied to celebrity wealth. Using Norris’ reported $70 million estate as a framework, Scott explains why celebrity net worth figures often differ from the actual value of an estate, particularly when royalties, private companies and likeness rights are involved.

David and Scott also explore the importance of family communication, the responsibilities that come with fiduciary roles, and why coordinated advisory teams can help reduce disputes after a death occurs. Their conversation highlights how preparation, flexibility and clear expectations can help families better manage both the emotional and financial realities of complex estates.

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Los Angeles attorney Scott Rahn resolves contests, disputes, and litigation related to trusts, estates, and conservatorships, creating a welcome peace of mind for clients. 

He represents heirs, beneficiaries, trustees, and executors.  He utilizes his experience to develop and implement strategies that swiftly and cost-effectively address the financial issues, fiduciary duties, and emotional complexities underlying trust contests, estate conflicts, and probate litigation.

Driven by a commitment to provide relief to people grieving the loss of a loved one, Scott collaborates closely with clients. He pursues and defends claims involving incapacity, incompetence, undue influence, breach of fiduciary duty, and other similar areas of dispute.  His advice and counsel include prevention and remediation of financial elder abuse.

Scott is known for in-depth financial investigations and deftly handling intra-family dynamics and decades-long family friction. He has extensive experience in courts, arbitration, mediation, and dispute resolution forums across California, as well as in key retirement centers in the United States and through strategic partnerships in international locations. 

His clients are typically embroiled in inheritance disputes, trust contests, will contests, caregiver undue influence, step-parent undue influence, sibling undue influence, estate administration irregularities, beneficiary bias, trustee misappropriation, accounting irregularities, breach of fiduciary duty, beneficiary theft, trust investigations, accusations of wrongdoing, fraudulent behavior, wrongful taking something from an estate, and breach of fiduciary duties. He focuses on identifying and correcting where behavior went wrong, and pointing out where allegations of wrongdoing are simply wrong.

Estate planning can appear straightforward until factors like privacy, control and long-term management come into play. 

What begins as a simple distribution of assets can quickly involve decisions around trusteeship, probate and how to prevent disputes.

In this episode of Celebrity Estates, Senior Editor David Lenok speaks with Jennifer Proper, managing director of wealth strategies at Pitcairn, about a case where estate planning worked exactly as intended. Using the estate of actor Matthew Perry as a reference point, Jennifer explains how a revocable trust and pour-over will can function together to maintain privacy, avoid probate and streamline the handling of assets.

David and Jennifer also examine the role of trustees, the importance of updating documents over time, and how specific provisions can discourage challenges or fraudulent claims. Their conversation underscores why planning early and reviewing regularly can make a meaningful difference in how an estate is ultimately administered.

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As a leader in the Wealth Management Team, Jennifer serves as a strategic wealth advisor, providing innovative planning services to achieve excellent client outcomes and deliver a superior client experience.

Her responsibilities encompass all aspects of wealth planning, including trust and estate administration, fiduciary advice, and wealth planning advice. She works directly with clients to proactively identify and address current and future needs and then collaborates with team members across the firm to implement customized planning strategies. Jennifer works with the entire Pitcairn team to enhance best practices and foster strong team dynamics in order to meet the complex needs of client families.

Before joining Pitcairn, Jennifer served as Director, Legacy and Wealth Planning at Abbot Downing, a Wells Fargo division serving ultra-high-net-worth individuals and family offices. While at Abbot Downing, she provided sophisticated estate, business, and financial planning for the firm’s clients and led the Northeast regional planning team.

Jennifer earned a Juris Doctorate from Albany Law School of Union University, with a concentration in Estate Planning. She also has a Bachelor of Science in History and Political Science with a Minor in Spanish from Binghamton University in Binghamton, NY.

Active by nature, Jennifer spends her free time hiking, cheering on the Philadelphia Sixers with her family, and doing F45 workouts to take her health and fitness to the next level. Jennifer is an animal lover and enjoys daily walks with her dog,  Miley. Originally from Syracuse, New York, suburban Philadelphia is now home for Jennifer, her husband, and two daughters.

Estate planning becomes more complicated when assets, citizenship and tax rules extend beyond a single country. What seems straightforward on paper can quickly involve multiple jurisdictions, reporting requirements, and competing legal systems.

In this episode of Celebrity Estates, Senior Editor David Lenok speaks with Martin Behn, partner at Lathrop GPM, about the estate planning challenges that arise when individuals hold assets or citizenship in more than one country. Using the recent death of actress Catherine O’Hara as an example, Martin explains how advisors must identify assets globally, determine which country’s laws apply, and account for international tax treaties.

David and Martin also explore how factors like residency, citizenship and domicile influence estate taxation and inheritance outcomes. Their conversation highlights why cross-border planning often requires coordination between advisors and attorneys in different jurisdictions to help families transfer wealth effectively.

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Martin Behn represents clients in matters concerning estate planning, trust administration, probate, and trust litigation. Martin’s practice primarily focuses on estate planning with a multi-generational focus. 

Martin advises clients regarding sophisticated family wealth transfer and tax planning techniques, including Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts (GRATs), Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRTs), sales to intentionally defective grantor trusts, gift trusts with intentionally defective grantor trust provisions, Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts (ILITs), and Generation-Skipping transfer Trusts (GST / Heritage Trusts).

Prior to joining the firm, Martin was with Sinsheimer Juhnke McIvor & Stroh, LLP in San Luis Obispo, California, and Grant & Gordon, LLP in Palo Alto, California.

Life choices that fall outside the traditional script can expose weaknesses in systems built on long-standing assumptions.

When marriage, children and default heirs are not part of the picture, planning must adapt or risk unintended consequences.

In this episode of Celebrity Estates, Senior Editor David Lenok explores the estate of Coco Chanel alongside Dr. Jay Zigmont, PhD, MBA, CFP, founder and CEO of Childfree Wealth. Their discussion centers on how outdated legal frameworks intersect with modern family structures, why capacity and undue influence claims arise in high-profile estates, and what happens when significant wealth is directed outside bloodlines.

Jay outlines how childfree and permanently childless adults face unique estate and long-term care considerations, why powers of attorney and fiduciary appointments are critical, and how a “die with zero” philosophy can reshape retirement and legacy strategies.

Join David Lenok and Dr. Jay Zigmont as they unpack the estate planning lessons behind nontraditional family structures and the importance of aligning financial systems with evolving life paths.

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Dr. Jay Zigmont is on a mission to help people without kids live their best lives, with the plan and finances to support it.

He’s a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER and Childfree Wealth Specialist with Childfree Wealth. In short, he’s the go-to expert on navigating the financial road less traveled for people without kids.

He’s the author of The Childfree Guide to Life and Money and a cohost of the Childfree Life by Design podcast, where he drops expert knowledge with a dose of humor.

Dr. Jay is a frequent contributor to top-tier media outlets, including Forbes, C-Span, TheStreet, and the Wall Street Journal.

Unexpected events can expose gaps in even the most carefully prepared estate plans.

When family conflict, legal standards and timing collide, the outcome can reshape how assets move and who ultimately benefits.

In this episode of Celebrity Estates, Senior Editor David Lenok examines the estate of Rob Reiner alongside Sean Weissbart, partner and co-chair of the Tax Benefits and Private Client Practice Group at Blank Rome. The conversation focuses on how slayer statutes function, why probate courts rely on civil standards rather than criminal convictions, and how intent and mental state influence inheritance outcomes.

Sean explains how being treated as predeceased can redirect assets, how insanity defenses may affect eligibility and why simultaneous death rules and community property laws matter when spouses die close in time. 

Join David Lenok and Sean Weissbart as they break down the estate planning lessons behind rare legal scenarios and the importance of thoughtful planning when the unexpected occurs.

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As one of the most regarded millennial estate planners in the country, Sean plays an integral role in the lives of his clients, working together to create legacies that are tax efficient and responsive to the unique needs of each family.

On Sean’s practice and style, Chambers USA quotes a client saying that “Sean Weissbart is a very creative estate tax lawyer, and he’s always looking to provide a fuller package than just documents. He cares quite a bit about his bedside manner, and it shows.” Another states, “There are three things that stand out about Sean. First is his ability to accommodate clients, second is his passion for the work he does and third is his empathy.”

Clients turn to Sean to handle all aspects of estate planning, the administration of trusts and estates, and the representation of beneficiaries and fiduciaries in contested matters in Surrogate’s Court. Sean’s extensive experience includes advising international families on the impact of U.S. tax laws on their wealth. In international estate matters, Sean assists non-citizens with domestic assets navigate the complicated rules surrounding the tax-efficient transfer of their wealth and counsels U.S. citizens facing income tax issues related to their beneficial interest in foreign trusts.  

Sean also represents clients on matrimonial matters, including the negotiation of prenuptial and postnuptial agreements and trust modifications following divorce.

In addition to his law practice, Sean serves as an adjunct professor of law at New York University School of Law, where he teaches Income Taxation of Trusts and Estates, International Estate Planning, and Tax Aspects of Charitable Giving. He is an author of the law school textbook The Income Taxation of Trusts and Estates, a fellow of The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, and a regular speaker at the nation’s most prestigious tax conferences. He gives back to the community through many philanthropic endeavors including his service on the board of the Ment’or BKB Foundation and as event chair of the Trusts and Estates Committee of the UJA Federation of New York, having raised millions of dollars to assist those in need.

Legacy is often shaped less by what is given and more by how values are shared across generations.

In this episode of Celebrity Estates, wealth manager Philip Richter joins the show to explore philanthropy as a core part of estate planning and family decision-making. The conversation examines The Giving Pledge and how charitable intent, when left informal or unspoken, can lead to confusion, missed opportunities and misalignment among heirs.

Philip explains why separating legacy from inheritance helps families focus on purpose rather than dollar amounts. He also shares how donor-advised funds, private foundations and charitable trusts can bring structure to giving while encouraging communication and shared responsibility.

Join Senior Editor David Lenok and Philip Richter, president and partner at Hollow Brook Wealth Management, as they break down the estate planning lessons behind philanthropy, generational education and building a legacy that extends beyond assets.

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Philip Richter is the President and Partner of Hollow Brook Wealth Management where he oversees firm-wide client relations, marketing and business development, and sits on the investment committee. Philip is involved with asset allocation, manager selection, and equity research. Philip previously served on the board of directors of WidePoint Corporation (NYSE: WYY). Currently, Philip sits on the board of the United States Equestrian Team Foundation, the United States Equestrian Federation, Revs Institute, and the Pray Family Foundation. Philip is the Chairman of the Lake Placid Horse Show, and the Treasurer of the Hampton Classic Horse Show. Philip received a BA from Boston College and an MBA from the Stern School of Business at New York University. Philip is a vintage car enthusiast who maintains a collection of modern classics and pre-war motorcycles. He participates in international car shows, hosts the Turtle Invitational (a biennial car show in Bedford, NY), and is a regular contributor to many equine and collector car publications. Philip also competes in equestrian show jumping in the high amateur-owner division.

Money passed down with good intentions can still create conflict, confusion and long-lasting family tension.

In this episode of Celebrity Estates, estate planning attorney Don D. Ford III joins the show to examine why more high-net-worth families are choosing to limit inheritances, not out of neglect, but out of concern for the long-term health of their family relationships. The discussion centers on how silence, assumptions and sudden wealth transfers can trigger conflict.

Don shares how unequal planning, lack of preparation and delayed conversations frequently lead to disputes between siblings. He also shares real examples showing how family meetings, philanthropy and thoughtful trust structures can reduce confusion and set clearer expectations.

Join Senior Editor David Lenok and Don Ford, managing partner at Ford + Bergner, as they unpack the estate planning lessons behind inheritance decisions that are meant to protect families, not divide them.

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Don D. Ford is the managing partner of Ford + Bergner, an estate planning and probate law firm with offices in Houston, Dallas, and Austin. His practice focuses on guiding families through complex estate planning, probate administration, and guardianship matters, particularly for high-net-worth households. Board-certified in estate planning and probate law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, Don is also trained in mediation and has served on the state guardianship certification board, where he helped shape policy and oversight for professional guardians.