Month: October 2025
Celebrity Estates: The John Amos Estate Dispute with Michael Napoleone

Celebrity Estates: The John Amos Estate Dispute with Michael Napoleone

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Family drama doesn’t end when the spotlight fades.

On this episode of the Celebrity Estates podcast, litigator Michael Napoleone joins Wealthmanagement.com Senior Editor David Lenok to unpack the bitter dispute over actor John Amos’s estate, and what it reveals about aging, trust and family dynamics.

From allegations of elder abuse and undue influence to sibling rivalries turned legal battles, Michael shares what really happens when communication and transparency break down. Drawing on years in the courtroom, he explains why longer lifespans, cognitive decline and blended families are fueling a rise in inheritance disputes — and how proactive planning can protect both wealth and relationships.

Key Takeaways:

  • Why family disputes over caregiving and inheritance are rising as people live longer and cognitive decline increases
  • How isolation, blended families and uneven caregiving fuel mistrust and legal challenges
  • The difference between exploitation claims (while alive) and undue influence claims (after death)
  • The crucial role of fiduciaries and when a neutral party may prevent emotional and financial fallout
  • Why clear communication about estate intentions can prevent surprise, resentment, and years of litigation

Resources:

Connect With David Lenok:

Connect With Michael Napoleone:

About Our Guest:

Michael Napoleone is a seasoned litigator with a proven track record of success representing businesses, individuals, and fiduciaries in complex, high-stakes disputes. He has litigated a wide array of matters, including theft of trade secrets, corporate shareholder disputes, contested wills and trusts, claims of fiduciary misconduct, land use conflicts, and high-value real estate litigation. His extensive courtroom experience spans jury trials, bench trials, appeals, and alternative dispute resolution forums such as arbitration and mediation.

Known for his strategic approach and persuasive advocacy, Michael is regularly called upon to handle cases where the outcome is critical and the legal issues are complex. His clients rely on him not only for his legal acumen but also for his ability to navigate sensitive, high-conflict situations with clarity and confidence.

In addition to his legal practice, Michael has held many leadership roles within the legal profession and local government. He is a past president of the Palm Beach County Bar Association and served on the Executive Board of the Palm Beach County Early Learning Coalition. He currently serves as the elected Mayor of the Village of Wellington, Second Vice President of the Palm Beach County League of Cities, and on the Executive Board of the Palm Beach County Transportation Planning Agency – positions that reflect his dedication to public service and his deep understanding of governmental and regulatory systems.

Michael’s dual background as a skilled courtroom advocate and respected civic leader makes him a trusted advisor in both legal and policy arenas.
Celebrity Estates: Updating Estate Plans Through Life’s Milestones

Celebrity Estates: Updating Estate Plans Through Life’s Milestones

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Life changes, and your estate plan should change with it. Attorney Matthew Erskine joins the Celebrity Estates podcast to explain why estate planning is never a “set it and forget it” process, but a lifelong practice that evolves alongside major milestones.

Matthew walks through key life events from marriage and divorce to relocation and retirement and shares how each can reshape a client’s estate strategy. Drawing from years of experience, he highlights how small updates, communication and awareness of changes in the law can prevent major family disputes.

Join Senior Editor David Lenok and Matthew Erskine, ower of The Erksine Company, as they discuss how to keep estate plans living, relevant and aligned with every stage of life.

David and Matthew discuss:

  • Why every major life event, from marriage to relocation, should trigger a review of your estate plan
  • The importance of communication between family members to avoid future conflicts
  • How to handle estate planning for beneficiaries facing personal challenges
  • The impact of tax and law changes on existing estate documents
  • Why advisors should treat estate plans as “living documents” and revisit them annually

Resources:

Connect With David Lenok:

Connect With Matthew Erskine:

About Our Guest:

Matthew F. Erskine is an approachable, empathic estate and succession planning attorney who creatively and holistically solves families’ unique asset and estate needs. He is the fourth generation of lawyers known for integrity and personal service. Matt concentrates on providing legal and fiduciary services for families with basic estates as well as real estate, unique assets, or a family business. Unlike most trust and estate attorneys, Matt’s focus is on ensuring financial security while preserving the ownership of unique but often illiquid assets for the client and family.