Tag: Communication
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: Legacy Lessons from Ozzy Osbourne

Celebrity Estates: Legacy Lessons from Ozzy Osbourne

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Ozzy Osbourne left behind more than music when he passed away at 76. His $250 million fortune, blended family and valuable music royalties raise pressing estate planning questions that extend far beyond celebrity headlines.

Tasha Dickinson, partner at Day Pitney LLP, shares how advisors can address family conflict, use independent fiduciaries and manage complex assets like royalties. She highlights the crucial role of communication and expectation-setting in preventing disputes.

Join WealthManagement.com Senior Editor David Lenok and Tasha for a compelling conversation on the lessons Ozzy’s estate offers for families and advisors alike.

Tasha discusses:

  • The unique estate challenges faced by blended families and strategies to reduce conflict
  • The importance of appointing an independent fiduciary rather than family members to administer estates
  • How communication and expectation-setting can prevent litigation
  • The complications of managing royalties, intellectual property and other nontraditional assets
  • Why advisors should work as a unified team with attorneys and CPAs early in the planning process
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect With David Lenok:

Connect With Tasha Dickinson:

About Our Guest:

Tasha Dickinson, a Florida Bar Board Certified Wills, Trusts and Estates Lawyer, exclusively represents individuals and families in sophisticated estate planning and estate/trust administration. She has extensive experience with complex wealth preservation strategies, business succession planning, and charitable planning. She represents fiduciaries in complicated estate and trust administration matters. Tasha has developed a niche working with family offices and has written and lectured extensively on residency planning.