Life's Third Act

Life's Third Act


The Howard Hughes Estate: A Cautionary Tale – EP. 91 – Life’s Third Act

October 02, 2023

Join Attorney-CPA Joe Cordell and Life’s Third Act researcher, Marlea Parson, as they delve into the intriguing story of Howard Hughes and his lack of a will. Hughes, one of the wealthiest and most eccentric industrialists of his time, left behind a colossal estate when he passed away in 1976.



Despite his immense wealth and influence in various industries, Hughes died intestate, setting the stage for a chaotic legal battle. Over 600 claimants emerged, each vying for a piece of his fortune, leading to the production of more than 40 contested wills.



Discover the complex web of litigation, allegations of secret marriages, and the decades-long struggle to settle Hughes’s estate. Learn how, without a proper estate plan, the vast wealth of this industrial magnate ultimately passed to distant relatives, highlighting the importance of thoughtful estate planning.



If you have any questions about estate planning or elder law, get in touch with an attorney at TuckerAllen.