Family struggles over star's estate, conservatorship matters

The name Zsa Zsa Gabor brings to mind lifestyles of the rich and famous. Not even the rich and famous, however, are immune from the hardships that come with older age and estate planning. Gabor's health has become compromised. And like many other aging people, Gabor's condition has made it necessary for someone to take control over her significant estate.

Determining who has conservatorship over a person and her estate is not always easy. Family members often wind up disagreeing over who should have control and why. Generally, it is the spouse who takes over conservatorship. The setup for Gabor and her estate is no different, though her husband has had to fight to keep his control.

Gabor's 65-year-old daughter has challenged the fact that her stepdad has control over her mother and her estate. She suggests that Gabor's husband Frederic von Anhalt has mishandled her mother's money, though von Anhalt insists that he has been responsible regarding the estate. His representation goes even further and suggests that Gabor's daughter has done damage to the estate via the control she has as power of attorney for her mother.

This celebrity case provides a spotlighted example of how matters of estate planning can bring out dilemmas and power struggles among family members. Having a clear estate plan in place can help mitigate any potential drama that could arise when it is time for someone's plan to really kick in.

Our Pennsylvania attorneys help with the various estate planning processes such as creating a will, living will, trust, assigning conservatorship and more. Simply put, we help our clients achieve the goals that are important to them in regards to the allocation and control of their assets and their end of life wishes.

Source: City News Service, "Judge extends Zsa Zsa Gabor deal," Feb. 24, 2013