Heath Ledger had a Will but hadn’t updated it

In 2008 Heath Ledger died of an accidental drug overdose aged 28. Heath’s last Will executed in 2003 left half of the estate to his sisters, Kate and Olivia Ledger and Ashleigh Bell. The remainder was to go to his parents, Kim Ledger and Sally Bell, after debts had been paid.

In 2005 Heath and Michelle Williams, had a daughter Matilda. Heath hadn’t updated his Will to reflect his changed circumstances, meaning that Matilda would have had to make a family provision claim in order to inherit from her Father’s estate.

However there was no need for a challenge as Parents and sister’s “gifted everything to Matilda”

Some reports estimated the value of the estate at up to $20 million. However an executor of the estate said he could not reveal what Matilda would inherit. Heath’s Will puts the bulk of his assets into a trust.

Despite the millions of dollars in property held in Heath’s trusts documents filed in a New York court listed his personal assets at just $145,000.

Like many people his age Heath’s affairs and finances were a bit out of order. Whilst Heath had created a Will the fact that he didn’t update it caused further distress to his family at a difficult time.

Heath had assets worth a good deal more than $145,000, as it’s estimated Matilda will probably inherit something around $US16.5 million dollars.

Many of you will ask, “Why do I need to make a Will anyway?” If you own a car, furniture, bank accounts, a property and shares making a Will allows you to direct who will be the executor of your Estate, which family members or friends will receive your possessions following your death, and if you have children who will be their guardians.

If you die without a valid Will your Estate will be divided according to the laws of intestacy meaning that it may be left to people you may not even know.

If you don’t have children or obvious heirs, documenting your wishes and making them accessible will help ensure those wishes are fulfilled should something happen to you.

Along with health care directives (often called living Wills) organ donation and arranging insurance cover for loss of income or permanent disability, it is important that you discuss your wishes with someone in order that they are able to act on your behalf in the event of an emergency.

Importantly regardless of what you wish to do with your estate be it leaving money to charity, a pet, or friends and relatives you should prepare a Will. As it is important to formulate and communicate to those closest to you a definite plan for your wishes in order that those wishes are met.