Celebrity Estates: The John Amos Estate Dispute with Michael Napoleone
Celebrity Estates: Wills of the Rich and Famous
A great estate plan protects relationships
Michael summarizes that while he sees failed plans, the best planning also aims to preserve family ties.
Family drama doesn’t end when the spotlight fades.
On this episode of the Celebrity Estates podcast, litigator Michael Napoleone joins Wealthmanagement.com Senior Editor David Lenok to unpack the bitter dispute over actor John Amos’s estate, and what it reveals about aging, trust and family dynamics.
From allegations of elder abuse and undue influence to sibling rivalries turned legal battles, Michael shares what really happens when communication and transparency break down. Drawing on years in the courtroom, he explains why longer lifespans, cognitive decline and blended families are fueling a rise in inheritance disputes — and how proactive planning can protect both wealth and relationships.
Key Takeaways:
- Why family disputes over caregiving and inheritance are rising as people live longer and cognitive decline increases
- How isolation, blended families and uneven caregiving fuel mistrust and legal challenges
- The difference between exploitation claims (while alive) and undue influence claims (after death)
- The crucial role of fiduciaries and when a neutral party may prevent emotional and financial fallout
- Why clear communication about estate intentions can prevent surprise, resentment, and years of litigation
Resources:
- Listen to Celebrity Estates on WealthManagement.com
- Subscribe and listen to Celebrity Estates on Apple Podcasts
- Subscribe and listen to Celebrity Estates on Spotify
- Trust and Estates Magazine
Connect With David Lenok:
- david.lenok@informa.com
- WealthManagement.com
- LinkedIn: David Lenok
- LinkedIn: Informa
- LinkedIn: WealthManagement
Connect With Michael Napoleone:
About Our Guest:
Michael Napoleone is a seasoned litigator with a proven track record of success representing businesses, individuals, and fiduciaries in complex, high-stakes disputes. He has litigated a wide array of matters, including theft of trade secrets, corporate shareholder disputes, contested wills and trusts, claims of fiduciary misconduct, land use conflicts, and high-value real estate litigation. His extensive courtroom experience spans jury trials, bench trials, appeals, and alternative dispute resolution forums such as arbitration and mediation.
Known for his strategic approach and persuasive advocacy, Michael is regularly called upon to handle cases where the outcome is critical and the legal issues are complex. His clients rely on him not only for his legal acumen but also for his ability to navigate sensitive, high-conflict situations with clarity and confidence.
In addition to his legal practice, Michael has held many leadership roles within the legal profession and local government. He is a past president of the Palm Beach County Bar Association and served on the Executive Board of the Palm Beach County Early Learning Coalition. He currently serves as the elected Mayor of the Village of Wellington, Second Vice President of the Palm Beach County League of Cities, and on the Executive Board of the Palm Beach County Transportation Planning Agency – positions that reflect his dedication to public service and his deep understanding of governmental and regulatory systems.
Michael’s dual background as a skilled courtroom advocate and respected civic leader makes him a trusted advisor in both legal and policy arenas.
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