$17 Billion, 100+ Heirs & 1 Big Lesson for Honolulu Families
- Keoni
- Jul 17
- 5 min read
What happens when you're worth $17 billion and have more than 100 biological children — including many conceived via anonymous sperm donation in over a dozen countries?
That’s the real-life scenario for Telegram co-founder Pavel Durov, who recently shared his estate planning intentions in an interview with Le Point magazine. Durov, just 40 years old, says he plans to split his fortune equally among all of his biological children.
Sound extreme? Maybe. But you don’t need billions or an international family tree for Durov’s story to hit close to home — especially if you're raising a family or building a life here in Honolulu or anywhere across Hawaiʻi.
Here’s what this headline-grabbing story teaches us about protecting your legacy.
You Don’t Need a Tech Empire to Need a Plan
Too many families in Hawaiʻi assume estate planning is only for the ultra-wealthy. That couldn’t be further from the truth.
In fact, having fewer assets often makes it even more important to plan wisely. Without the right documents in place, your family could end up tangled in probate court — waiting months or years, paying unnecessary legal fees, and dealing with court delays before accessing your accounts or managing your medical care if you're ever incapacitated.
A comprehensive estate plan does far more than just distribute money. It also ensures:
Your minor children are cared for by the people you trust most, in the way you want
Your medical wishes are honored if you can’t speak for yourself
Your assets don’t get lost or turned over to the state’s unclaimed property division
Your values and wishes are communicated clearly to avoid family conflict
Whether you live in a high-rise in Kakaʻako or a family home in Kāneʻohe, a solid estate plan is essential.
“Equal” Doesn’t Always Mean “Simple”
Durov’s plan to treat all his biological children equally might sound fair on paper — but in practice, it’s a legal and logistical headache.
Consider this: How do you track down 100+ children, especially when many were born anonymously in other countries? Who verifies their relationship? What happens if someone is left out — or disputes their share?
Even here in Hawaiʻi, many families are more complex than they appear. You might have children from prior relationships, stepchildren, adopted children, or loved ones you’re estranged from. Without clarity in your plan, even a small estate can spark big conflict.
Your estate plan should:
Be updated as your family grows or changes
Clearly outline who inherits what, when, and how
Name trustworthy people to manage your estate
Reduce the likelihood of disputes or court involvement
In Hawaiʻi, where ʻohana is everything, the last thing you want is for loved ones to end up divided by legal battles.
Trusts and Timing: A Powerful Combination
Durov doesn’t want his kids to inherit right away — he plans to delay access to his estate for 30 years so they can “build themselves up” first.
Many Honolulu parents feel the same. You want your children to mature and grow before receiving significant assets. The good news? You don’t need billions to set up smart protections.
With the right kind of trust, you can:
Delay distributions until your child reaches a certain age or milestone
Provide for specific needs like education, healthcare, or a first home
Appoint a responsible trustee to oversee funds
Avoid probate entirely — keeping your affairs private and efficient
Whether you’re in Honolulu or Hilo, a trust helps ensure your assets are used wisely — and your wishes are carried out exactly as intended.
True Planning Goes Beyond Legal Documents
The most powerful takeaway from Durov’s story isn’t his fortune — it’s his intention to prevent future conflict among his children.
That’s what true Life & Legacy Planning is all about.
When I help local families design their plans, we go beyond the documents. Together, we’ll explore:
Who you want to care for your children and how to prepare them
How to pass on values and stories alongside your assets
How to organize your asset inventory so nothing gets lost
Whether a Life & Legacy Interview (a video message to your loved ones) could preserve your voice and vision for future generations
Your plan isn’t just about money. It’s about meaning, guidance, and love — the things your family will need most.
Your Plan Should Work When It’s Needed Most
Even the best plans can fail if they’re outdated or forgotten in a drawer. That’s why I take a proactive approach.
My Life & Legacy Planning process includes:
A 3-meeting design process to craft a plan that fits your life
Reviews at least every 3 years to keep it current
Flat-fee pricing so there are no surprises
Ongoing support for your loved ones after you're gone
When life changes — whether it’s a new baby, a new home, or a new relationship — your plan should change too.
Start Planning Your Legacy in Hawaiʻi Today
Your life may be simpler than Pavel Durov’s — but your family, your values, and your peace of mind matter just as much.
At the Law Office of Keoni Souza, I help Honolulu and Hawaiʻi families create Life & Legacy Plans that:
Keep loved ones out of court and conflict
Minimize taxes and delays
Pass on more than money — including stories, guidance, and values
Ready to build a plan that protects everything and everyone you love?
Let’s talk. Because planning your legacy is one of the most loving things you can do.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Do I need an estate plan if I don’t own a home in Hawaiʻi?
A: Yes! Estate planning includes more than just property — it also covers healthcare decisions, guardianship for children, and managing bank accounts or personal belongings.
Q: I have a small estate. Is a trust really necessary?
A: Possibly. A trust can help avoid probate, protect your family’s privacy, and provide structure for how assets are used. I’ll help you decide what’s best for your situation.
Q: Can estate plans be done virtually in Hawaiʻi?
A: Absolutely. I work with clients across the islands using a fully virtual process that’s convenient, secure, and designed around your schedule.
📍 Based in Honolulu | Serving all of Hawaiʻi
📅 Schedule your Family Wealth Planning Session here
📞 You can reach us at 808-725-3454
This article is brought to you by the Law Office of Keoni Souza, a boutique estate planning firm located in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, proudly serving families on Oʻahu and across the Hawaiian Islands. At our firm, estate planning is about more than documents — it’s about creating lasting peace of mind for you and the people you love. Through our unique Life & Legacy Planning Process, we guide you to make informed, empowered decisions that protect your wealth, your wishes, and your family’s future. To get started, contact our Honolulu office today to schedule your Family Wealth Planning Session. Mention this article to learn how you can receive this $750 session at no charge.
Disclaimer: The information on this website is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. For guidance tailored to your specific situation, please consult an estate planning attorney licensed in the State of Hawaiʻi. Use of this website or communication through this site does not create an attorney-client relationship with the Law Office of Keoni Souza, LLC.
