Imagine this: You’re worth $17 billion and have over 100 biological children – some born through relationships, others conceived through anonymous sperm donation. What would your estate plan look like? More importantly, what could happen if you didn’t have one?
That’s the reality of Pavel Durov, co-founder of the messaging app Telegram, who recently revealed in an interview with Le Point that he has six children through relationships with three different women, and more than 100 additional biological children born to donors across 12 countries. Durov says he plans to leave his entire fortune to his biological children, treating each one equally.
Most of us don’t have Durov’s wealth or global family tree. But his story offers powerful insight into why estate planning matters – whether you have $17 billion or just a few thousand. Because estate planning isn’t about how much you have; it’s about who you love and how you want to care for them.
You Don’t Need to Be a Billionaire to Need a Plan
A common misconception is that estate planning is only for the ultra-wealthy. The truth is, if you have people you care about or anything you care about—your children, your home, your savings, your values—you need a plan.
In fact, the fewer resources you have, the more critical planning becomes. Without a plan, your loved ones may be forced into court to sort things out, spending time, money, and emotional energy they don’t have, all while grieving or managing a crisis.
A thoughtful plan can help you:
- Appoint legal guardians for your children, and prepare those guardians to raise your kids with your values and guidance.
- Designate someone to make healthcare decisions for you if you’re unable to speak for yourself.
- Ensure your loved ones can locate and access your assets, including digital ones, without unnecessary delay.
- Communicate your wishes clearly and avoid the confusion or conflict that so often arises after a death.
It’s not just about avoiding legal messes. It’s about creating peace of mind for the people you love.
Equal Isn’t Always Simple
Durov’s plan to treat all of his biological children equally might sound fair, but it raises many questions: How will he identify and verify each child? How will disputes be resolved? What if some of his children were never told the truth about their conception?
You don’t need a global web of biological connections to face similar challenges. Blended families, children from different relationships, stepchildren, estranged relatives – all of these situations require clarity.
That’s why it’s not enough to just say who gets what. Your plan should also specify:
- When and how assets are distributed
- Who is in charge of managing your estate
- How to minimize conflict among heirs
If you don’t clearly outline your intentions, the state steps in – and its version of “fair” may not reflect your values at all.
The Power of Timing and Trusts
Durov reportedly plans to delay access to his wealth for 30 years, hoping his children will build character before inheriting their share.
That’s a wise instinct – and one you can incorporate into your plan without billions in the bank. A well-crafted trust allows you to:
- Delay inheritance until your children reach a specific age or milestone
- Distribute funds gradually over time
- Protect assets from creditors, divorces, or poor decisions
- Appoint a trustee to manage the assets with your values in mind
Trusts are especially helpful for families with minor children, individuals with special needs, or concerns about how an inheritance will be used. They also help avoid probate, which is often slow, expensive, and public.
True Planning Is Personal, Not Just Legal
What stood out most in Durov’s story wasn’t just the size of his estate – it was the emotional motivation behind his decisions. He wants to avoid conflict and treat his children fairly, no matter how or where they were born.
That’s the essence of good planning.
When we work with you to create your Life & Legacy Plan, we do more than transfer assets. We look at your whole life and your whole family. We ask:
- Who do you love?
- How do you want to be remembered?
- What wisdom do you want to pass on, not just wealth?
We help you:
- Choose the right guardians for your kids and equip them to step in with confidence
- Inventory your assets so nothing is lost or overlooked
- Record a Life & Legacy Interview to share your values and stories for future generations
- Put legal structures in place that reflect your heart, not just your holdings
Your Plan Should Work When Your Family Needs It
Too often, estate plans are created once and never looked at again. But families grow, laws change, relationships evolve. If your plan doesn’t grow with you, it might not work when your loved ones need it.
That’s why we’ve designed a planning process that includes:
- A 3-Meeting Completion System to ensure your plan is thorough and clear
- A built-in review cycle at least every three years
- Flat fees so you never feel hesitant to reach out for guidance
- Ongoing support for your loved ones when the time comes
Because when the worst happens, your family shouldn’t be left with questions. They should be left with clarity.
Let’s Create a Plan That Reflects Your Life and Legacy
Whether your family tree is a simple branch or a sprawling forest, you deserve a plan that honors your life, your values, and the people you love.
At Cheever Law, we don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death for yourself and the people you love, starting with a valuable and educational Life & Legacy Planning Session. This will allow you to get more financially organized and make the best choices for the people you love. If you have already completed your estate plan, we will review that plan at your Life & Legacy Planning Session to ensure that it will work the way you intend and address any holes or gaps that may be present if circumstances have changed since you executed your plan.
To learn more about our one-of-a-kind systems and services, contact us or schedule a no-obligation 15-minute introductory phone call today.