She Died First. He Died a Week Later. Gene Hackman’s Estate Shows the Risks

The recent passing of legendary actor Gene Hackman has brought to light a complex estate situation — one that should serve as an important reminder to all families, especially married couples. No matter how much or how little you own, it’s essential to have a well-crafted estate plan that truly works when it’s needed most.

Many people assume that having a will or trust in place is enough. Unfortunately, that’s often not the case. Even professionally prepared estate plans can fail — leaving behind confusion, delays, and unintended outcomes. That’s why I use a process called Life & Legacy Planning — a comprehensive approach that helps ensure your plan won’t fall apart when your loved ones need it to work.

Let’s take a closer look at what happened in the Hackman case and the lessons it holds for all of us.

What Happened

Gene Hackman, the two-time Oscar winner best known for The French Connection and Unforgiven, passed away recently at the age of 95. His wife, Betsy Arakawa, 65, originally from Hawaiʻi, died just one week earlier from complications related to a rare virus. Hackman’s cause of death was reportedly heart disease and Alzheimer’s-related complications.

Both Hackman and Arakawa had wills dated 2005, naming each other as their primary beneficiary and personal representative. Hackman left his entire estate to Arakawa, and she had similar provisions in her own will. Importantly, their estate plans did include backups, which many couples forget to do.

Since both spouses are now deceased, a third party — Julia L. Peters, a professional fiduciary — has stepped in to administer both estates. The first named successor in the wills had also passed away, highlighting how critical it is to name multiple backup decision-makers.

The Often Overlooked Issue of Simultaneous Death

Most married couples name each other as the sole beneficiary of everything — wills, trusts, insurance policies, retirement accounts, and more. But what if both spouses pass away at the same time or within a short period of each other?

Without careful planning, this scenario can trigger a range of complications: unnecessary court involvement, delays, confusion over who inherits what, and even assets going to the wrong people. Naming contingent (backup) beneficiaries for every asset and account is a simple but often overlooked step that can prevent a legal and emotional mess.

In Arakawa’s case, her will reportedly included a provision directing her assets to a charitable trust if she and Hackman died within 90 days of each other — a thoughtful step since the couple had no children together.

Blended Family Complications

If your family includes children from a previous relationship, your estate plan needs to be especially precise. In Hackman’s situation, his three adult children from a prior marriage — Christopher, Elizabeth, and Leslie — were notified of the estate administration, but it’s unclear whether or how they’ll inherit.

Why the uncertainty? Hackman’s assets were left to Arakawa, and her plan left everything back to him. Since both are now gone, and Arakawa’s estate may instead pass to a charitable trust, his children could unintentionally be left out.

This type of loop — where spouses name each other without detailed backup plans — is surprisingly common and completely avoidable.

How Life & Legacy Planning Helps

I use a proven system called Life & Legacy Planning. This process goes far beyond filling out forms — it’s designed to anticipate real-life scenarios and prevent your plan from failing when it matters most.

Here are a few ways I help protect your loved ones and your legacy:

1. Naming Backup Beneficiaries

Every plan I create includes not just primary beneficiaries, but contingent ones too — for wills, trusts, retirement accounts, life insurance, and more. We start by taking a full inventory of your assets so we don’t miss anything.

2. Planning for Simultaneous Death

We’ll go beyond default state laws and include clear instructions for what happens if you and your spouse die at the same time — or if a named beneficiary passes away before you. This helps ensure your wishes are carried out, no matter the circumstances.

3. Creating a Revocable Living Trust

A well-drafted trust can provide better protection, privacy, and flexibility than a will alone. It can also help your loved ones avoid probate court, saving time, money, and stress.

4. Addressing Blended Family Needs

If you’re in a blended family, I’ll help you create a plan that avoids accidental disinheritance and ensures that all your loved ones are taken care of according to your wishes.

5. Ongoing Review and Maintenance

Hackman’s documents were nearly 20 years old at the time of his death — far too outdated to be reliable. Life changes, asset changes, and legal changes can all impact your plan. That’s why I offer regular reviews (at least every three years) as part of my ongoing service. You won’t have to remember when to update — we’ll build it right into your plan.

Your Next Step

Gene Hackman’s estate offers a sobering reminder: estate planning isn’t a one-time task. It requires thoughtful design, regular updates, and a process that ensures everything works when the time comes.

With a Life & Legacy Plan, we go beyond "who gets what." We plan for complex scenarios — like simultaneous death, incapacity, or changing family dynamics — and create a plan that works for your life as it is now and as it may become.

If you’re ready to protect your family from unnecessary court battles, delays, or confusion, let’s talk. We’ll start with a Family Wealth Planning Session to get clear on what matters most to you and design a plan tailored to your unique situation.

Don’t leave your legacy to chance. Let’s create a plan that works when your loved ones need it most.

This article is a service of the Law Office of Keoni Souza, an estate planning law firm in Honolulu, Hawai`i. We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That is why we offer a Family Wealth Planning Session, during which you will get more financially organized than you have ever been before and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by contacting our office today to schedule a planning session and mention this article to find out how to get this $750 session at no charge.

Disclaimer: All information on this website is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. You should contact an attorney trained to work with families on estate planning matters regarding your specific situation. Use of and access to this website or any of the email links contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship between the Law Office of Keoni Souza, LLC, and any users or any other party.