Celebrity Estate Mistakes: Chief Justice Warren Burger’s DIY Will Cost His Family Dearly
You might assume that the Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court would have a rock-solid estate plan. But when Warren Burger—who served as Chief Justice from 1969 to 1986—passed away, his estate plan became a cautionary tale.
Instead of working with an experienced estate planning attorney, Justice Burger wrote his own will. It was a mere 176 words long.
The will, though brief, overlooked critical components:
It failed to address estate taxes.
It did not grant necessary powers to the executor.
It lacked key administrative provisions that would have streamlined the estate settlement process.
As a result, his family reportedly paid $450,000 in avoidable estate taxes, legal fees, and court costs—a costly mistake that could have been easily prevented with professional guidance.
A Brilliant Legal Mind, But Not an Estate Planner
Justice Burger was undoubtedly a brilliant legal scholar, but estate planning is a specialized area of law. He was a trial attorney, not a tax or trust and estates practitioner. Even the most accomplished legal minds can make critical errors when venturing outside their field of expertise.
This story underscores a crucial point: just because you understand the law, doesn’t mean you understand estate law. Estate planning involves more than writing a will. It requires:
Strategic tax planning
Understanding fiduciary responsibilities
Drafting clear and legally enforceable documents
Protecting beneficiaries and minimizing conflict
The Takeaway: Don’t Go It Alone
Even if your situation seems simple, a DIY approach can create big problems down the line. And if you have significant assets, blended families, or unique circumstances, working with a qualified estate attorney is essential.
At Harris-Pero Law Firm, we guide clients through every step of the estate planning process—so your intentions are honored, your loved ones are protected, and unnecessary expenses are avoided.
Don’t leave your legacy to chance.
Contact us today to make sure your estate plan is built to last.