Divorce & Estate Planning: What Shannen Doherty’s Story Can Teach Us

Shannen Doherty’s passing in July 2024 is a tough reminder that estate planning waits for no one—especially during divorce. Known for her iconic roles in Beverly Hills, 90210, Heathers, and Charmed, Doherty wasn’t just battling cancer; she was racing the clock to finalize her divorce and protect her estate. Her story is proof that timing isn’t just everything—it’s the difference between your wishes being honored or your assets getting caught in a legal mess. If you’re facing a major life change, don’t wait. Plan smart, plan now.

Why Timing Matters More Than You Think

Talk about cutting it close. According to reports, just one day before her death, Shannen Doherty filed for an uncontested divorce from Kurt Iswarienko, who signed the agreement the very next day. That last-minute move wasn’t just paperwork—it was estate planning at its finest.

By finalizing the divorce, Doherty ensured her $6 million Malibu home, future acting residuals, and other assets would follow her wishes—not California’s community property laws.

Had the divorce been incomplete, Iswarienko could’ve had a claim to half her estate. And let’s be real—no one wants their legacy tangled up in court battles and family drama.

The takeaway? Timing matters. If you’re navigating a major life change, don’t wait until the eleventh hour. Get your estate plan done now, while you’re calling the shots.

Estate Planning Pitfalls to Avoid During Divorce

While Shannen Doherty managed to finalize her divorce just in time, most people aren’t so lucky when it comes to estate planning during a split. Divorce is messy enough—don’t let outdated documents and overlooked details leave your assets in limbo or, worse, in the wrong hands.

Here are the biggest estate planning pitfalls to dodge when navigating divorce:

1. Ignoring Beneficiary Designations

Think signing divorce papers automatically kicks your ex off your accounts? Nope. Some states revoke ex-spouse beneficiary rights after divorce, but federal laws for retirement plans, like your 401(k), can override that. If you don’t update those designations, your ex could still walk away with your life insurance or retirement funds. When you plan with me, we’ll make sure your assets go exactly where you want—not where outdated paperwork says they should.

2. Forgetting About Digital Assets

We live our lives online, yet digital assets are the most overlooked part of estate planning. Streaming accounts, airline miles, crypto, social media profiles, and even cloud-stored family photos can get lost if you don’t update passwords and access instructions. Without proper planning, your loved ones could be locked out of accounts or lose valuable assets entirely.

3. Overlooking Incapacity Planning

Your ex might be out of your life, but is their name still on your healthcare proxy or financial power of attorney? If you don’t update these documents, your ex could still have legal authority to make medical and financial decisions on your behalf. It’s a harsh reality many discover only when it’s too late.

4. Letting Emotions Drive Decisions

Divorce is a whirlwind of emotions, and rash choices can lead to long-term consequences. Whether it’s cutting someone out of your plan out of spite or rushing to make changes without considering the tax implications, emotional decisions often lead to expensive legal battles. That's where I step in—to guide you with clarity and focus, ensuring your estate plan reflects your long-term goals, not a short-term reaction.

The bottom line? Divorce doesn’t just end a marriage—it requires a complete estate plan overhaul to protect your future. Let’s make sure your life’s work ends up exactly where you want it. 

Safeguarding What’s Yours in Divorce

Want to avoid estate planning disasters during divorce? Here’s how to keep your assets safe and your stress levels low:

Step 1: Create an Asset Inventory

List everything—property, bank accounts, retirement funds, life insurance, even those crypto coins you forgot about. Identify what’s yours and what’s joint. When you book a Planning Session with me, I’ll walk you through it, step by step.

Step 2: Update Beneficiary Designations

Your will doesn’t control who gets your 401(k) or life insurance—your beneficiary designations do. After divorce, if you don’t update them, your ex could still cash in. Yikes.

Step 3: Build an Estate Plan

With my help, you'll create a plan that ensures your assets land where you want them, and you’re protected if you can’t advocate for yourself. We’ll make sure nothing falls through the cracks.

Divorce is tough protecting your future doesn’t have to be. Let’s get it done.

What’s Next? Let’s Make It Happen.

At 20West Legal, estate planning isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about life-proofing your legacy with a plan that works when your family needs it most. I don’t just hand you documents and wish you luck. I’m your partner in keeping your plan rock-solid through every twist, turn, and curveball life throws your way.

Through my signature Planning Session, I’ll guide you to make smart, confident decisions—especially during major transitions like divorce. From updating beneficiaries to protecting your assets, we'll ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

If you're in Sudbury, Metrowest Boston, Maynard, Framingham, Natick, or nearby, let’s talk about how to protect what matters most. Because estate planning shouldn’t be a “one-and-done”—it should grow with you.

👉 Schedule your complimentary 15-minute consultation today: https://go.20westlegal.com/meeting-scheduler

This article is a service of 20WestLegal LLC. We don't just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death for yourself and the people you love. That's why we offer a Planning Session, during which you will get more financially organized than you've ever been before and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office in Sudbury, Massachusetts today to schedule an Estate Planning Session and mention this article to find out how to get this $750 session at no charge.

The content is sourced from Personal Family Lawyer® for use by Personal Family Lawyer® firms, a source believed to be providing accurate information. This material was created for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as ERISA, tax, legal, or investment advice. If you are seeking legal advice specific to your needs, such advice services must be obtained on your own separate from this educational material.