Episode 47 | PART II: Simultaneous Death and the Law, what Gene Hackman's story teaches us

In Part 2 of our deep dive into the Gene Hackman estate planning story, Christine Matus and Kristine Carranceja-Gurski return to discuss new developments that have emerged over the past month—and the critical legal lessons they reveal. This episode explores the real-life consequences of unclear wills, DIY estate planning, and the importance of precise legal language. Christine and Kristine break down how a poorly worded will led to years of litigation, why even slight deviations in phrasing can open the door to legal challenges, and how probate can expose private details to the public.

They also revisit the Hackman case with fresh insight, examining how conflicting wills and trusts—and the order of death—can determine which estate plan governs the distribution of assets. If you’ve ever wondered whether an online will is enough or how to avoid common pitfalls in estate planning, this episode is a must-listen.

🔊 Listen now to learn why having a legally sound plan—and the right legal team—can make all the difference.

Thanks for listening, to learn more about The Matus Law Group head to our website
www.matuslaw.com
Follow us on social media
https://www.facebook.com/matuslawgroup
https://www.instagram.com/matuslaw/
https://twitter.com/MatusLawGroup