Catherine O'Hara's passing: Why estate planning matters

As the world mourns the loss of beloved actress Catherine O'Hara, known for her unforgettable roles in Home Alone, Schitt’s Creek, and Beetlejuice, her passing has left fans and loved ones heartbroken. While we celebrate her legacy, her incredible decade-spanning career, and the joy she brought to millions, her death also serves as a poignant reminder that, regardless of age, wealth, or fame, planning for the inevitable is something we all must do.

Celebrity deaths often remind us of the unexpected nature of life, serving as a powerful nudge to dedicate some time to estate planning and writing a Will, to ensure that our own wishes are honoured and our loved ones are taken care of when we’re gone. In October 2024, the shocking and sudden death of One Direction singer Liam Payne, sent shockwaves around the world. Reports confirmed he passed away without leaving a Will, meaning his estate, valued at over £24 million after debts and expenses, was managed and distributed according to the rules of intestacy.

When someone passes away without leaving a valid Will behind, they are said to have died intestate. In cases such as these, the intestacy rules determine how the estate is divided. These rules follow a strict legal hierarchy that does not consider the individual preferences of the deceased. Find out more about the order of intestacy and what happens when someone dies without leaving a Will here.

Thankfully, no such reports have yet surfaced regarding the passing of Catherine O’Hara, meaning we can assume that her affairs were in order at the time of her death and that she had a valid Will in place. 

Why a Will matters

This is a good time as any to highlight the importance of having a well-drafted Will and a clear estate plan. Without a Will, the people you care about may face delays, legal hurdles, or unintended financial consequences at an already difficult time.

Creating a valid and up-to-date Will allows you to:

• Decide who will inherit from your estate

• Appoint trusted Executors to manage your estate
• Make any necessary arrangements for children or dependents
• Minimise the risk of disputes or delay

Will Writers and Financial Advisers are positioned to help you understand the role that probate and estate administration play, whilst leading you through the many important and varied decisions that affect what will happen to your estate when you pass away. They can help provide valuable insight into how your assets, life insurance policies, pensions, and other financial arrangements will be administered upon your passing.

A well-drafted Will is an essential part of any financial plan, and by drafting or updating your Will regularly, especially if significant life changes have occurred, such as a marriage, the birth of a child, or a change in financial circumstances, you can help mitigate the potential for future disputes among your beneficiaries and protect your wishes.

The crucial role of probate

When someone passes away, probate may be required. Probate refers to the process by which a Will is validated by the Court, allowing the administration of an estate to begin. While probate can sometimes be a straightforward process when it involves a clearly written Will and no disputes, it can very easily become a much more complex and lengthy process. This may be caused by challenges being made regarding the validity of the Will, disputes arising among beneficiaries, and the Will itself being confusing or unclear. To find out more about how long the probate process takes, click here. 

Your trusted Will Writer or Financial Adviser can help guide you through the probate process by offering sound advice on how to best structure your estate. Financial Advisers can be especially helpful at this stage, ensuring that any insurance policies and financial arrangements are in order. They can advise how to minimise the impact of probate on your loved ones.

For example, establishing a Trust, choosing joint ownership options for certain assets, and preparing the estate to be as tax-efficient as possible can help mitigate stress and complications for your loved ones during a difficult time. Having these conversations with your Adviser as early as possible gives you the best chance to make informed decisions that align with your wishes.

How Kings Court Trust supports after a death

The recent loss of Catherine O'Hara serves as a poignant reminder that death is something we must all prepare for, regardless of how big or small our estates may be. At Kings Court Trust, we are committed to supporting our Will Writer and Financial Adviser partners to deliver expert advice and assistance to you as their client. Together, we can help ensure that estates are administered effectively and that your legacy is preserved in the way you intend.

For over 20 years, Kings Court Trust has helped tens of thousands of families through probate and estate administration. With extensive experience in all types of estates, from straightforward to highly complex, we bring clarity, care, and confidence to every case. Our reputation is built on consistent delivery, excellent communication, and client satisfaction.

If you have any questions or need any support with estate administration, please get in touch with us by emailing ClientServicesTeam@kctrust.co.uk or calling 0300 303 9000.