Life's Third Act

Welcome to Life’s Third Act, hosted by attorney and CPA Joe Cordell. We explore the fascinating lessons learned from celebrity estates, uncovering insights into estate planning, wealth management, and family dynamics. Through the triumphs and pitfalls of high-profile legacies, we delve into the stories that shape lasting legacies and inspire smarter planning for the future.

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Episodes 236

Will vs Trust Explained: What Actually Protects You and Your Family
4d ago · 38:04
Estate planning is usually framed as a matter of what happens after you’re gone. But as attorney and CPA Joe Cordell explains, a trust may matter most for the years you’re still here. In this episode of Life’s Third Act, Joe breaks down the difference between a will and a trust, why the family you’re planning for may not look like the one your parents planned for, and the one risk almost nobody plans for that is far more likely than an early death. Call 866-323-7529 or visit https://cordellcordell.com/practice-areas/estate-planning/ to schedule an estate planning consultation. For a limited ti
Back to School: Legal Paperwork Your College Student Needs
11d ago · 21:12
When your child turns 18, the law treats them as an adult. That means you lose the automatic right to make decisions for them, even if you are paying for college. Cordell & Cordell Senior Estate Planning Attorney John Sauter explains why parents overlook this moment, and the three documents that give you the legal authority to help when they need you most. Call 866-323-7529 or visit https://cordellcordell.com/practice-areas/estate-planning/ to schedule an estate planning consultation. For a limited time, mention LIFE’S THIRD ACT for 15% off eligible estate planning services!
Bob Weir’s Final Act: Family, Trusts, and a $60 Million Fortune
18d ago · 25:27
In the final part of our three part series on Bob Weir, we look at how the Grateful Dead’s rhythm guitarist turned a lifetime of chaos into one of rock’s most disciplined financial legacies. Call 866-323-7529 or visit https://cordellcordell.com/practice-areas/estate-planning/ to schedule an estate planning consultation. For a limited time, mention LIFE’S THIRD ACT for 15% off eligible estate planning services!
Bob Weir’s Publishing Deal: The Real Source of His Wealth
25d ago · 26:48
Bob Weir’s business acumen, specifically his management of song publishing rights, is the secret engine behind his enduring financial legacy. In this episode, we break down how the Grateful Dead moved beyond traditional touring revenue to build a powerhouse of intellectual property ownership. Call 866-323-7529 or visit https://cordellcordell.com/practice-areas/estate-planning/ to schedule an estate planning consultation. For a limited time, mention LIFE’S THIRD ACT for 15% off eligible estate planning services!
Bob Weir’s $60M Legacy: The Business Behind the Grateful Dead
1mo ago · 25:04
Bob Weir passed away in January of this year at 78, leaving behind an estimated $60 million estate — but the real story isn’t the number, it’s how a band built on chaos, “socialistic” values, and zero interest in profit somehow protected that fortune for five decades. Call 866-323-7529 or visit https://cordellcordell.com/practice-areas/estate-planning/ to schedule an estate planning consultation. For a limited time, mention LIFE’S THIRD ACT for 15% off eligible estate planning services!
Chuck Norris’s $70 Million Legacy: How To Protect Your Wealth and Family
1mo ago · 39:08
Chuck Norris built a remarkable life through discipline, thoughtful decisions, and careful management of his family, businesses, and legacy. In this final episode of our Chuck Norris series, we examine his 2010 will and the estate-planning decisions designed to protect his family and preserve the assets he spent a lifetime building. Call 866-323-7529 or visit https://cordellcordell.com/practice-areas/estate-planning/ to schedule an estate planning consultation. For a limited time, mention LIFE’S THIRD ACT for 15% off eligible estate planning services!
Chuck Norris’s $70 Million Legacy: The First Marriage and Business Deals Behind the Legend
1mo ago · 33:14
The life and career of Chuck Norris offer a compelling case study on the intersection of personal relationships and high-stakes business success. Today, in this second of three episodes on Chuck Norris, we delve into the early years of his career, examining how his first marriage and his initial ventures into production and business shaped his financial future. Call 866-323-7529 or visit https://cordellcordell.com/practice-areas/estate-planning/ to schedule an estate planning consultation. For a limited time, mention LIFE’S THIRD ACT for 15% off eligible estate planning services!
Chuck Norris’s $70 Million Legacy: The Estate Planning Story Behind the Legend
1mo ago · 35:43
Chuck Norris is one of the most recognizable names in American culture — but behind the memes and the movies is a disciplined, methodical estate builder who built a $70 million legacy from almost nothing. In Part 1 of our three-part series, we trace how it started. Call 866-323-7529 or visit https://cordellcordell.com/practice-areas/estate-planning/ to schedule an estate planning consultation. For a limited time, mention LIFE’S THIRD ACT for 15% off eligible estate planning services!
After a Loved One Passes: Probate, Taxes & Your Duties as Executor
2mo ago · 48:46
Welcome to another episode of Life’s Third Act. In our previous episode, we discussed the immediate steps to take following a loss. Today, we’re moving forward to address the complex legal and financial roadmap that follows—the practical, often overwhelming reality of stepping into the role of executor. Call 866-323-7529 or visit https://cordellcordell.com/practice-areas/estate-planning/ to schedule an estate planning consultation. For a limited time, mention LIFE’S THIRD ACT for 15% off eligible estate planning services!
What to Do Immediately After a Loved One Passes Away
2mo ago · 49:31
Losing a loved one is incredibly difficult, and the administrative burdens that follow can feel overwhelming. In this episode of Life’s Third Act, we move past the headlines to provide you with a practical, step-by-step guide on what to do immediately after someone passes away. From securing the premises and notifying the proper authorities to understanding the legal differences in state laws regarding who has the authority to make decisions for the deceased, we cover the essential actions you need to know. Whether you are dealing with an unexpected loss or planning for the future, understandi
Why Chris Watts Will Never Profit: The Slayer Rule and a $6M Judgment | MMM Series
2mo ago · 25:04
In December 2019, a Colorado court entered a $6 million wrongful death judgment against Chris Watts — $3 million for Shanann and $1 million for each of his daughters. It was a default judgment. He didn’t even appear. In this second of two episodes on the Watts case, we examine the legal and financial aftermath of the murders — the wrongful death action, how Colorado’s intestate succession laws directed Shanann’s estate to her parents, and the complicated story of the Frederick, Colorado home that sat in legal limbo for years before finally selling. We also take a hard look at the psychology be
Chris Watts: The Financial Collapse Behind the Murders | MMM Series
2mo ago · 28:42
In August 2018, Chris Watts confessed to murdering his pregnant wife Shanann and their two young daughters in Frederick, Colorado. It became one of the most watched true crime stories in American history. But we want to come at it from a different angle. What most people don’t know is that in the years leading up to the murders, Chris and Shanann Watts were drowning financially — a Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing in 2015, over $400,000 in liabilities, and a joint savings account that held just $3.51. They were earning $120,000 to $140,000 a year and still couldn’t stay afloat. In this installment
Kouri Richins: The Danger of the Marital Blind Spot | MMM Series
2mo ago · 42:37
How did Kouri Richins manage to systematically drain over $500,000 from her husband’s estate despite Eric’s attempts to protect himself? In Part 2 of our deep dive, attorney and CPA Joe Cordell explores the financial fallout of the Kouri Richins case and the critical estate planning lessons we can learn from it. We analyze the complex reality of “financial infidelity” in a marriage. From the vulnerability created by the “Marital Unity Paradox” to the specific estate planning defensive measures Eric took—including trusts, new wills, and private investigators—we breakdown why even the best legal
Kouri Richins: The Fatal Debt That Ended a Marriage | Marriage, Murder & Money
3mo ago · 33:26
Marriage is often called a “blind spot” for fraud. In the first part of our Kouri Richins deep dive, we explore how a $2 million secret debt, forged signatures, and a “Deal-Killer” known as financial infidelity created a motive for one of the most high-profile cases in recent Utah history. Joe Cordell, attorney and CPA, breaks down the “Marital Unity Paradox”—the unique legal and emotional vulnerability that allows a dishonest spouse to exploit the person closest to them. How did Eric Richins end up with a secret $250,000 home equity line of credit in his name? Why did the legal system fail to
The Legal Aftermath of the Dulos Murders | Marriage, Murder, and Money
3mo ago · 36:32
Fotis Dulos took his own life before he could face a jury, but that didn’t end the legal battle. From defense attorneys fighting for their retainers to the application of the “Slayer Statute,” the Dulos case is a masterclass in how a “bad actor” can drain an estate’s value while the legal system slowly grinds away. Our Marriage, Murder, and Money (MMM) series continues as we conclude our deep dive into the Fotis Dulos story. While the first half of this case focused on the disappearance and the immediate probate battle, this installment looks at the legal aftermath following Fotis’s death—and
When Divorce Turns Deadly: The Fotis Dulos Story | Marriage, Murder, and Money
3mo ago · 29:23
Jennifer Farber Dulos was a mother of five who disappeared without a trace during a high-stakes divorce. What followed was a $2.5 million legal battle that exposed the unique vulnerabilities of an estate in the midst of a family crisis. Our Marriage, Murder, and Money (MMM) series continues as we begin a deep dive into the tragic story of Fotis Dulos. In this opening installment, we explore how Jennifer’s family used the Probate Court to freeze assets and protect the children even before a body was found. From the massive lawsuits filed by her mother, Gloria, to the strategic use of an “Absent
The Slayer Statute and The Henthorn Case | Marriage, Murder, and Money
3mo ago · 34:41
Harold Henthorn thought he had committed the perfect crime on federal land, but the law had other plans. What followed was a legal reckoning that utilized the “Slayer Statute” to ensure his $4.5 million motive would never be realized. In Part 3 of Marriage, Murder & Money, attorney and CPA Joe Cordell breaks down the Henthorn case from the inside — not as a crime story, but as a case study in how estate law responds when federal jurisdiction and the Slayer Statute collide to strip a killer of his inheritance. Call 866-323-7529 or visit https://cordellcordell.com/practice-areas/estate-planning/
Did He Push Her Off a Cliff for $4.5 Million? | Marriage, Murder & Money
4mo ago · 41:31
Harold Henthorn took his wife Toni on a hike in Rocky Mountain National Park — and came home alone. What followed was a $4.5 million battle that exposed every vulnerability in their estate plan. In Part 2 of Marriage, Murder & Money, attorney and CPA Joe Cordell breaks down the Henthorn case from the inside — not as a crime story, but as a case study in how estate law responds when your spouse becomes your killer. What this episode covers: • How Harold secretly changed the beneficiary on Toni’s life insurance — from their daughter Haley’s trust to himself • Why insurance companies filed interp
Marriage, Murder, and Money | Can a Murderous Spouse Inherit Your Estate? – EP. 219 – LTA
4mo ago · 28:34
What happens to your estate when your spouse is the one who killed you? This episode examines one of estate law’s darkest questions — and the answer will change how you think about everything you’ve signed. Attorney and CPA Joe Cordell opens a new mini-series exploring what happens to marital assets, life insurance, and inheritance rights when a spouse commits murder. Using the case of Harold and Toni Henthorn — a Colorado man convicted of pushing his wife off a cliff — Joe unpacks how estate planning and inheritance law respond when the person named as your beneficiary is also your killer. Wh
Paris & Bigi Jackson vs. The Executors: Michael Jackson’s Estate Drama – PT2 – EP. 218 – LTA
4mo ago · 51:17
In Part 2 of this Life’s Third Act series, we continue breaking down the Michael Jackson estate and trust, focusing on the real-world conflicts that arise after the plan is in place. This episode explores the growing tension between trustees and beneficiaries, including disputes over spending, investment decisions like the upcoming biopic, and frustrations around communication and transparency. We also unpack how probate delays, IRS battles, and ongoing litigation have impacted distributions to Michael Jackson’s children, and why even a highly successful estate can still create friction. Final
Paris & Bigi Jackson vs. The Executors: Michael Jackson’s Estate Drama – PT1 – EP. 217 – LTA
4mo ago · 51:32
More than 15 years after his death, Michael Jackson’s estate is still making headlines and still tied up in complex legal and financial issues. In Part 1 of this two-part series, Life’s Third Act breaks down how Jackson’s trust was structured, what went right, and what created ongoing complications. Joined by Mellany McDonald, Senior Litigation Attorney at Cordell & Cordell, the discussion uses Jackson’s estate as a real-world case study to explain how trusts actually function over time. From massive debt at the time of death to a dramatic financial turnaround, this episode explores how trusts
Inside Robert Duvall’s Estate Plan (And Why It Worked) – PT2 – EP. 216 – Life’s Third Act
5mo ago · 23:04
In this episode of Life’s Third Act, we wrap up our two-part series on Robert Duvall by breaking down how his estate plan actually worked in practice. From trusts and LLCs to intellectual property management and real estate, we walk through the structures he used to protect his wealth, minimize conflict, and carry out his long-term goals. If Part 1 covered what he wanted to accomplish, Part 2 shows how he made it happen—and what you can learn from it when planning your own estate. Call 866-323-7529 or visit https://cordellcordell.com/practice-areas/estate-planning/ to schedule an estate planni
Inside Robert Duvall’s Estate Plan (And Why It Worked) – PT1 – EP. 215 – Life’s Third Act
5mo ago · 25:53
In this episode of Life’s Third Act, we take a closer look at the life and legacy of Robert Duvall—not just his career, but how he approached the later stages of life and estate planning. With an estimated $70 million estate and no children, Duvall made intentional decisions about privacy, wealth management, and long-term legacy. From living outside Hollywood to structuring his assets through a trust, his approach offers a unique perspective on how to plan for life’s third act. This episode explores what Duvall did right, what we can learn from his decisions, and why estate planning matters ev
Anna Nicole Smith’s Estate: Tragedy, Probate, and Family Battle – PT2 – EP. 214 – Life’s Third Act
5mo ago · 28:38
In Part 2 of our deep dive into Anna Nicole Smith’s estate, we break down how one of the most complex and drawn-out legal battles in recent history finally came to a close. After years of litigation involving the estate of J. Howard Marshall, the case expanded into disputes over paternity, burial rights, and a deeply flawed will that created even more legal chaos. Multiple courts across different states weighed in, and the outcome ultimately came down to technical legal rules rather than the underlying facts. We also walk through what went wrong and what can be learned from it. This case highl
Anna Nicole Smith’s Estate: Tragedy, Probate, and Family Battle – PT1 – EP. 213 – Life’s Third Act
5mo ago · 28:20
In this episode of Life’s Third Act, John Sauter breaks down the life, death, and legal aftermath of Anna Nicole Smith. From her marriage to Texas billionaire J. Howard Marshall to the probate fight, bankruptcy case, and Supreme Court battle that followed, this story touches nearly every corner of estate law. Part one explores the family dynamics, estate planning decisions, and courtroom conflicts that made this one of the most unusual celebrity estate cases in recent memory. Tune in next week for Part 2, where the story continues as the legal battle escalates even further, raising new questio

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Life's Third Act

Episodes 236

Will vs Trust Explained: What Actually Protects You and Your Family

Back to School: Legal Paperwork Your College Student Needs

Bob Weir’s Final Act: Family, Trusts, and a $60 Million Fortune

Bob Weir’s Publishing Deal: The Real Source of His Wealth

Bob Weir’s $60M Legacy: The Business Behind the Grateful Dead

Chuck Norris’s $70 Million Legacy: How To Protect Your Wealth and Family

Chuck Norris’s $70 Million Legacy: The First Marriage and Business Deals Behind the Legend

Chuck Norris’s $70 Million Legacy: The Estate Planning Story Behind the Legend

After a Loved One Passes: Probate, Taxes & Your Duties as Executor

What to Do Immediately After a Loved One Passes Away

Why Chris Watts Will Never Profit: The Slayer Rule and a $6M Judgment | MMM Series

Chris Watts: The Financial Collapse Behind the Murders | MMM Series

Kouri Richins: The Danger of the Marital Blind Spot | MMM Series

Kouri Richins: The Fatal Debt That Ended a Marriage | Marriage, Murder & Money

The Legal Aftermath of the Dulos Murders | Marriage, Murder, and Money

When Divorce Turns Deadly: The Fotis Dulos Story | Marriage, Murder, and Money

The Slayer Statute and The Henthorn Case | Marriage, Murder, and Money

Did He Push Her Off a Cliff for $4.5 Million? | Marriage, Murder & Money

Marriage, Murder, and Money | Can a Murderous Spouse Inherit Your Estate? – EP. 219 – LTA

Paris & Bigi Jackson vs. The Executors: Michael Jackson’s Estate Drama – PT2 – EP. 218 – LTA

Paris & Bigi Jackson vs. The Executors: Michael Jackson’s Estate Drama – PT1 – EP. 217 – LTA

Inside Robert Duvall’s Estate Plan (And Why It Worked) – PT2 – EP. 216 – Life’s Third Act

Inside Robert Duvall’s Estate Plan (And Why It Worked) – PT1 – EP. 215 – Life’s Third Act

Anna Nicole Smith’s Estate: Tragedy, Probate, and Family Battle – PT2 – EP. 214 – Life’s Third Act

Anna Nicole Smith’s Estate: Tragedy, Probate, and Family Battle – PT1 – EP. 213 – Life’s Third Act

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Episodes 236

Will vs Trust Explained: What Actually Protects You and Your Family

Back to School: Legal Paperwork Your College Student Needs

Bob Weir’s Final Act: Family, Trusts, and a $60 Million Fortune

Bob Weir’s Publishing Deal: The Real Source of His Wealth

Bob Weir’s $60M Legacy: The Business Behind the Grateful Dead

Chuck Norris’s $70 Million Legacy: How To Protect Your Wealth and Family

Chuck Norris’s $70 Million Legacy: The First Marriage and Business Deals Behind the Legend

Chuck Norris’s $70 Million Legacy: The Estate Planning Story Behind the Legend

After a Loved One Passes: Probate, Taxes & Your Duties as Executor

What to Do Immediately After a Loved One Passes Away

Why Chris Watts Will Never Profit: The Slayer Rule and a $6M Judgment | MMM Series

Chris Watts: The Financial Collapse Behind the Murders | MMM Series

Kouri Richins: The Danger of the Marital Blind Spot | MMM Series

Kouri Richins: The Fatal Debt That Ended a Marriage | Marriage, Murder & Money

The Legal Aftermath of the Dulos Murders | Marriage, Murder, and Money

When Divorce Turns Deadly: The Fotis Dulos Story | Marriage, Murder, and Money

The Slayer Statute and The Henthorn Case | Marriage, Murder, and Money

Did He Push Her Off a Cliff for $4.5 Million? | Marriage, Murder & Money

Marriage, Murder, and Money | Can a Murderous Spouse Inherit Your Estate? – EP. 219 – LTA

Paris & Bigi Jackson vs. The Executors: Michael Jackson’s Estate Drama – PT2 – EP. 218 – LTA

Paris & Bigi Jackson vs. The Executors: Michael Jackson’s Estate Drama – PT1 – EP. 217 – LTA

Inside Robert Duvall’s Estate Plan (And Why It Worked) – PT2 – EP. 216 – Life’s Third Act

Inside Robert Duvall’s Estate Plan (And Why It Worked) – PT1 – EP. 215 – Life’s Third Act

Anna Nicole Smith’s Estate: Tragedy, Probate, and Family Battle – PT2 – EP. 214 – Life’s Third Act

Anna Nicole Smith’s Estate: Tragedy, Probate, and Family Battle – PT1 – EP. 213 – Life’s Third Act