Shelley Duvall and What We Can All Learn From Her Death

Shelley Duvall, best known for her role as Wendy Torrance in The Shining, passed away recently at the age of 75. While her acting legacy continues to captivate fans, her passing reveals important lessons about estate planning that everyone can learn from. 

In case you haven’t read about what’s happened to her estate since she died, Duvall’s death left behind unresolved legal matters, especially concerning her long-term partner, Dan Gilroy. Without a will in place, Gilroy is now navigating a complex legal process to inherit a portion of Duvall’s estate, valued in the six figures. For those of us who aren’t movie stars but want to protect our loved ones and assets, there are valuable takeaways from this situation. Let’s look at what you can learn from Dan Gilroy and Shelly Duvall’s story to ensure you avoid similar challenges in your own life, and after your death. 

The Importance of a Life & Legacy Plan

The most striking takeaway from Shelley Duvall’s situation is the importance of having an estate plan, in particular, a Life & Legacy Plan. Without one, your state decides who will inherit your property, and your loved ones must go to court to have it all figured out. Anytime you have to go to court, it can be a lengthy, stressful, and expensive process. In addition, someone else who’s a stranger to you and your loved ones (i.e., a judge) makes decisions for you and for the people you love. So, when you don’t have a Life & Legacy Plan, the distribution of your estate may not align with your wishes. In Duvall’s case, her partner of over 30 years, Dan Gilroy, is left in a position where he has to prove his right to inherit a portion of her assets.

Creating a Life & Legacy Plan ensures that your wishes are carried out after you’re gone. Whether you’re married, single, or in a long-term partnership, having a plan that clearly outlines who gets what can save your loved ones from a lot of confusion, frustration, and heartache. And contrary to what you may think, it’s especially important for those who don’t have children, as the distribution of assets can become even more complex. 

In Duvall’s case, her three brothers may end up with a significant portion of her estate, which may not have been what she wanted. You can prevent these uncertainties by making a will that reflects your true intentions.

Consider Your Unmarried Partner’s Rights

Life & Legacy Planning becomes even more critical for couples like Duvall and Gilroy, who lived together for over 30 years without being legally married. Gilroy is now trying to prove that he and Duvall were, in fact, in a common-law marriage so he can claim a share of her estate. 

Common-law marriage, recognized in Texas where they lived (but not in all states), requires specific legal standards to be met. Gilroy must prove they agreed to be married, lived together as a married couple, and presented themselves as husband and wife to others. Without this proof, Gilroy may receive little to nothing from Duvall’s estate. I can’t imagine this is what Duvall wanted.

If you’re in a long-term relationship but not legally married, you should think carefully about what might happen to your assets when you pass away. When you work with me, I’ll help you make choices that are right for you. Then, together, we’ll create a Life & Legacy Plan that reflects your wishes. If you’re unmarried but have a partner you’d like to inherit your assets, we’ll make sure to create a plan that documents your relationship and makes it easier to prove if needed. In Duvall’s case, a Life & Legacy Plan would have simplified the legal process for Gilroy.

Address Mental Health and Capacity in Your Planning

Another issue that may come up in Duvall’s estate battle is her mental health. In the years leading up to her death, there was public speculation about her mental state, including a controversial interview with Dr. Phil in 2016, where she displayed erratic behavior. This may raise questions in court about whether she had the capacity to fully understand legal agreements, such as marriage, or whether Duvall had the legal capacity to make the decisions that might come with estate planning. This could be a reason she didn’t have a plan of her own.

If you or someone you love is struggling with mental health challenges, it’s essential to plan early while mental capacity is clear, and can be documented as part of the planning process. This can prevent future disputes about whether a person was capable of making informed decisions. By working with me and creating a Life & Legacy Plan that reflects your wishes, you can help ensure that your estate is handled according to your desires, regardless of future health issues. Duvall’s case reminds us that waiting too long to address estate planning can lead to complications that leave loved ones vulnerable to long legal battles and uncertainty.

Don’t Leave Your Loved Ones in a Bind

Shelley Duvall’s passing highlights several important lessons you can apply to your own life. Whether or not you’re a celebrity or have a large estate, it’s crucial to have a plan in place that protects your assets and provides for the people you care about most. By creating a Life & Legacy Plan, considering the rights of an unmarried partner, and addressing potential mental health issues early, you can make sure your wishes are respected after you’re gone. And the best time to protect your loved ones is now.

As a Personal Family LawyerⓇ Firm, we help you create a comprehensive Life & Legacy Plan that ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes and your loved ones are cared for—whether you’re married, in a long-term relationship, or navigating unique mental health concerns. With your plan in place, you can rest easy knowing that your legacy will be preserved and your family will stay out of court and conflict.

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