Anton Yelchin, 27, who played Chekov in recent “Star Trek” movies, was killed in a freak accident earlier this year.
Anton was on his way to rehearsal when he got out of his car in the driveway of his home; the car slid backwards, pinning him against a brick pillar and a security fence. When he didn’t show up for rehearsal his friends went to his house and found him dead by his car.
Anton was born in March 1989, to Irina Korina and Viktor Yelchin, in Leningrad; emigrating to the United States as refugees when Anton was six months old. Irina worked as a figure skating choreographer and Viktor as a figure skating coach.
It would appear that Anton had not made a Will. Irina and Viktor have applied to court to be named administrators of his $1.3m estate.
Irina and Viktor have also commenced legal proceedings against Fiat Chrysler, which made the Jeep that crushed Anton. The Company recalled the car model in April after the vehicle was investigated for its gearshift design. Less than a week after Anton’s death, a class action lawsuit was filed against Fiat Chrysler alleging the car manufacturer did little to correct the confusing gearshift design in its vehicles.
Although Anton was a young man without a partner or children not having a Will has exacerbated a difficult situation for his parents. His tragic death highlights the fact that we are all vulnerable to events outside our control. Therefore having a basic plan for your estate is better than having nothing in place.
A Will makes sure your loved ones are looked after at a difficult time. It is not only about the distribution of your assets but also assists to clarify your funeral arrangements, name the executor of your estate and who will be guardian to your children.
When you consider that a Will is a planning document it makes sense that when you make a Will you consider financial planning, powers of Attorney and advance care directives.
Also just as you revisit financial plans overtime you should also regularly make changes to your Will particularly if you have a family business you wish to leave your children, own assets overseas, or you have a disabled child or step children.
Some people believe that making a Will is like going to the Dentist – something that we begrudgingly do. However it is something to assist your loved ones and to plan for your family’s future. It should be part of your financial plan that includes life and income protection insurance, advance care directives and powers of attorney.
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