Joan Rivers’ Estate: How the Queen of Sass Protected Her Family and Pets

Joan Rivers’ Estate: How the Queen of Sass Protected Her Family and Pets

Joan Rivers Estate Planning Example.

Joan Rivers, the queen of sass and quick comebacks, didn’t leave anything to chance. When she passed away in 2014 after a routine procedure in New York, it led to a medical malpractice lawsuit against the clinic. But the real twist? Joan’s $150 million estate was no joke.

Joan made sure her daughter, Melissa Rivers, and grandson, Cooper, were well provided for. But she didn’t stop there—she made plans for her beloved rescue dogs. Yes, even her pups were looked after with a pet trust, showing us that estate planning is about everyone you care for.

One of Joan’s best-known jokes was: “Don’t make friends with your dogs! The sons of bitches will literally die ahead of you and cause you grief!” But Joan knew better—she ensured her dogs would be cared for even if she was the one to leave first.

 

Celebrity Estate Planning Done Right

Joan’s estate planning shows that no matter who you are, it’s important to:

  1. Plan Ahead for Your Family: Just like Joan did for Melissa and Cooper, make sure your estate plan covers all your loved ones.

  2. Don’t Forget Your Pets: If Joan could set up a pet trust for her dogs, you can too! Pets deserve care, and a pet trust guarantees they live comfortably after you’re gone.

  3. Take Legal Action if Needed: After Joan’s passing, Melissa Rivers fought for justice in a medical malpractice suit. If something goes wrong, don’t hesitate to protect your rights.

 

Estate Planning for Everyone: Learn From the Best

At Trust Counsel, we specialize in creating estate plans that cover every detail—whether it’s protecting your family or making sure your pets are cared for. Ready to follow in Joan Rivers’ footsteps and secure your legacy?

About Trust Counsel

We are Trust Counsel – Our name says it all. We are specialists.  We practice only the areas of family wealth succession:  Estate Planning, Asset Protection, Business Succession, and Probate. We know what we are doing. We love what we are doing. We believe in what we are doing.

Sign up for our newsletter

Get our most popular content sent straight to your inbox from the team behind the scenes.

About Trust Counsel

We are Trust Counsel – Our name says it all. We are specialists.  We practice only the areas of family wealth succession:  Estate Planning, Asset Protection, Business Succession, and Probate. We know what we are doing. We love what we are doing. We believe in what we are doing.

Sign up for our newsletter

Get our most popular content sent straight to your inbox from the team behind the scenes.