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Catherine O’Hara’s $10 Million Estate: What You Should Know About Inheritance Planning and Probate

Catherine O'Hara's $10 Million Estate: What You Should Know About Inheritance Planning and Probate
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 24: Catherine O'Hara attends the World Premiere of Apple TV+'s Series "The Studio" at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on March 24, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

If you’re a California resident managing family assets or wondering how celebrity estates are handled—and what that means for your own legacy—this article breaks down the key estate planning lessons from Catherine O’Hara’s passing and how you can protect your loved ones.

Who Was Catherine O’Hara and What Happened?

Legendary comedian and actress Catherine O’Hara passed away on January 30, 2026, at age 71. Known for iconic roles in Home Alone, Beetlejuice, and Schitt’s Creek, O’Hara left behind an estimated $10 million estate. She is survived by her husband, Bo Welch, and two sons, Luke (28) and Matthew (31).

While details of her will have not been publicly released, this high-profile case offers important lessons for California families navigating estate planning, probate, and wealth transfer.

Source: StyleCaster – Catherine O’Hara Net Worth

What Is an 8-Figure Estate and Who Inherits It?

An “8-figure estate” refers to assets valued between $10 million and $99 million. In O’Hara’s case, her estate is estimated at $10 million—the lower end of this range but still substantial enough to trigger complex estate planning considerations.

Who typically inherits when someone dies?

  • Surviving spouse: In California, community property laws give the surviving spouse significant inheritance rights
  • Children: O’Hara’s two sons are expected beneficiaries
  • Trust beneficiaries: If assets were placed in a revocable living trust, they bypass probate entirely

    • Without a clear estate plan, California intestacy laws determine how assets are distributed—often leading to family disputes, delays, and unnecessary probate costs.

    How Can California Families Avoid Probate and Protect Their Legacy?

    High-net-worth individuals like O’Hara often use trusts and strategic estate planning to minimize probate exposure. Here’s how California residents can do the same:

    1. Establish a Revocable Living Trust

  • Avoids probate court entirely
  • Keeps your estate private (unlike wills, which become public record)
  • Allows you to maintain control during your lifetime

    • 2. Use Beneficiary Designations

  • Retirement accounts, life insurance, and bank accounts with “payable on death” designations transfer directly to heirs
  • Bypasses probate and speeds up distribution

    • 3. Plan for Estate Taxes

  • California has no state estate tax, but federal estate tax applies to estates over $13.61 million (2024 limit)
  • Strategic gifting and trust structures can reduce tax burdens

    • 4. Protect Your Children’s Inheritance

  • O’Hara’s sons currently work in production, but without proper planning, inherited wealth can be vulnerable to creditors, divorce, or mismanagement
  • Trusts with spendthrift provisions protect assets for future generations

    • What Questions Should California Residents Ask When Planning Their Estate?

    If you’re managing California-based assets or planning for your family’s future, consider these questions:

  • Do I have a will or trust in place? Without one, state law decides who inherits
  • Are my beneficiary designations up to date? Outdated designations can lead to unintended consequences
  • How can I minimize probate costs? California probate fees are statutory and can reach 4% of the estate’s value
  • What happens if I become incapacitated? Powers of attorney and advance healthcare directives protect you while you’re alive
  • How do I protect my children’s inheritance? Trusts can shield assets from creditors, ex-spouses, and poor financial decisions

    • Why California Probate and Trust, PC?

    At California Probate and Trust, PC, we understand that estate planning isn’t just about legal documents—it’s about protecting the people you love and ensuring your legacy is honored. Our team has helped thousands of California families navigate probate, establish trusts, and create comprehensive estate plans tailored to their unique needs.

    What sets us apart:

  • Free, no-obligation consultations to assess your needs and budget
  • Transparent pricing with clear estate planning packages
  • Compassionate, experienced attorneys based in Sacramento, Fair Oaks, and San Francisco
  • One-stop-shop for probate and estate planning—we handle both legal structure and financial management

    • Whether you’re facing probate now or planning to avoid it in the future, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

    Take Control of Your Family’s Future Today

    Don’t leave your loved ones to navigate the complexities of probate without a plan. Schedule your free estate planning consultation with California Probate and Trust, PC today.

    📞 Call us: (866) 674-1130

    🌐 Visit: cpt.law

    📍 Offices in: Sacramento, Fair Oaks, and San Francisco

    Let us help you protect what matters most—your family, your assets, and your legacy.

    Legal Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Estate planning laws vary by jurisdiction and individual circumstances. For personalized guidance on wills, trusts, probate, and estate administration, please consult with a qualified California estate planning attorney. California Probate and Trust, PC offers free consultations to California residents seeking professional estate planning services.