Celebrity Estates: Wills of the Rich and Famous

Dead Celebrity Ep 4 – Joan Crawford’s Decision to Exclude Children From Her Estate — With Guest Dr. Stanley Teitelbaum, PsyD

Jul 17, 2019
Join Dr. Stanley Teitelbaum, a seasoned clinical psychologist with over 35 years of experience, as he unpacks the contentious legacy of Joan Crawford. Explore the intriguing psychology behind her decision to exclude her children from her estate. Dr. Teitelbaum reveals how emotions like resentment can lead to disinheritance. He discusses the importance of addressing family dynamics and offers insights on the role of mental health professionals in estate planning conversations. Discover practical solutions for navigating these complex issues.
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ANECDOTE

Joan Crawford Family Fallout

  • Joan Crawford adopted four children but became estranged from two, Christina and Christopher, before her death.
  • Christina later published Mommy Dearest detailing alleged abuse and the will dispute ended in small settlements.
INSIGHT

Emotions Drive Punitive Estates

  • Disinheritance often flows from long-simmering feelings of disrespect, resentment, and vulnerability.
  • Dr. Stanley Teitelbaum calls these emotional motivations a common driver behind punitive estate decisions.
ADVICE

Turn Nebulous Grievances Into Facts

  • Ask targeted history questions to make nebulous grievances concrete, like "When did this start?" and "How far back does this go?"
  • Use these questions to gauge magnitude without performing therapy yourself.
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