When Prince died in 2016 at age 57, he left behind an estate worth over $200 million—and no will, no trust, and no estate plan.

What followed became one of the most expensive and drawn-out probate battles in modern history. Here's what every California family can learn from it.

What Happened to Prince's Estate

Because Prince died without a will or trust, Minnesota's intestacy laws determined who inherited his estate. That meant:

• Six siblings and half-siblings became heirs (some he barely knew)
• Years of court battles over who was a legitimate heir
• Dozens of people claiming to be secret children or relatives
• DNA testing to determine family relationships
• Massive legal fees (estimated $45-$50 million)
• Estate taxes that could have been reduced with planning

Six years after his death, the estate was still being litigated.

Lesson 1: "I'll Get to It Later" Often Means Never

Prince was only 57. He probably thought he had plenty of time.

But estate planning isn't just for old people. It's for anyone who:

• Owns property
• Has children
• Wants control over who inherits their assets
• Doesn't want the government deciding who gets what

In California, if you die without a living trust or will, state law decides everything.

Lesson 2: Probate is Public, Expensive, and Slow

Everything about Prince's estate became public record:

• What he owned
• Who claimed to be related to him
• Family disputes and arguments
• Financial details

In California, probate works the same way. Court records are public. Anyone can see what you owned and who got it.

A living trust avoids this entirely. Your family's financial affairs remain private.

Lesson 3: Legal Fees Can Consume Your Estate

Prince's estate paid an estimated $45-$50 million in legal and administrative fees.

In California, probate fees are based on the value of the estate. For a $1 million estate, statutory fees alone can exceed $46,000—and that doesn't include extraordinary fees for complicated situations.

A living trust costs a fraction of probate fees and saves your family time, money, and stress.

Lesson 4: Without a Plan, the Wrong People May Inherit

California's intestacy laws determine who inherits if you die without a will or trust.

For many families, this creates problems:

• A spouse may not get everything (even in a long marriage)
• Children from prior relationships may be excluded
• Stepchildren usually get nothing
• Estranged family members may inherit
• Charities you care about get nothing

An estate plan lets you decide who gets what—not the government.

The Bottom Line

Prince was a genius musician. But he made the same mistake millions of Americans make: assuming he'd have time to create an estate plan later.

Don't let your family go through what Prince's family experienced. The cost of planning now is a fraction of the cost your family will pay later.