Doing Nothing: The Shocking Truth About Dying Without a Will (Famous Estate Disasters + Arbitration Explained)
Podcasts > The Attorney Patrick Smith Show
Saturday, June 20, 2026
Join Attorney Patrick Smith on this lively Father's Day weekend episode of The Attorney Patrick Smith Show! In a full-house studio with Isaiah the Magnificent, Spike on the Mic, and Maddie the Surfer Girl, Patrick breaks down one of the most overlooked — and dangerous — decisions in estate planning: doing nothing.
Discover Florida's intestacy laws (Florida Statute 732) and exactly how your assets get distributed if you die without a will or trust. Learn why this can lead to family fights, estranged relatives inheriting, half-blood siblings complications, and even your estate going to the state. Patrick shares real-world horror stories and famous cases including:
- Prince’s $150M+ estate battle (plus his new posthumous album)
- Howard Hughes’ 34-year chaos with 40 forged wills
- Pablo Picasso, Aretha Franklin, Bob Marley, and even Abraham Lincoln
Plus, a clear breakdown of arbitration vs. mediation in Florida, practical tips on wills vs. trusts ("a fancy will that skips court"), and why planning now prevents guardianship disasters and massive legal fees.
Maddie delivers Surf’s Up with the latest legal news: the IVF embryo mix-up custody case, a massive fake nursing diploma scheme, the Luigi Mangione case update, and a Ryan Reynolds-linked Tesla lawsuit. Listeners call in with questions on copyright scams, pour-over wills, and more.
Whether you're a parent, business owner, or just want peace of mind, this episode shows why “doing nothing” is rarely the cheap or easy option.
🎙️ Call in next week: 1-800-771-1025 📍 Law Offices of Patrick L. Smith New after-show drops Monday on socials!
