Don’t Let Your Estate Plan Grow Outdated—Learn from Gene Hackman’s Mistake

Gene Hackman, the iconic actor known for his award-winning roles, passed away in early 2025. While his cinematic legacy is secure, the same can’t be said about his estate. Hackman last updated his estate plan in 2005—nearly 20 years before his death. And because his wife, Betsy Arakawa, was named as his sole beneficiary and died just one week earlier, there is now uncertainty over who inherits his estimated $80 million estate.

This could lead to a drawn-out and expensive legal battle—something Hackman likely never intended. And it’s a mistake everyday families make, too.

Why You Need to Update Your Estate Plan

• Marriage, divorce, or death in the family

• New children or grandchildren

• Major financial changes

• Relocation to a different state

• Shifts in your personal wishes or goals

If you haven’t reviewed your estate documents in 3–5 years, you could unknowingly leave your family with a mess to clean up.

Protect Your Family—And Your Legacy

At Baranski Law, I help families across North Texas and Northwest Arkansas avoid court and conflict through personalized, flat-fee estate planning. My team and I will work with you to create or update your will, trust, and powers of attorney so they reflect your current life and priorities.

Don’t leave your family’s future to chance. Let’s make sure your plan is current, valid, and designed to truly serve your loved ones.

📅 Ready to Review or Create Your Plan?

👉 Click here to schedule your free Estate Plan Solution Discussion

I serve clients in Dallas–Fort Worth, McKinney, Bentonville, Bella Vista, Fayetteville, and beyond. We’ll meet online or in person (In person in my Bentonville Office via Zoom otherwise)—whatever works best for you.