Picture this: You’ve built a company worth hundreds of millions, revitalized a city, and inspired people with your generosity and creativity. Then, unexpectedly, you pass away… and nearly five years later, a will suddenly appears—one that no one even knew existed. Meanwhile, your family has been caught in years of legal battles, emotional stress, and sky-high fees.

It sounds like the plot of a Netflix drama, but it’s the real story of Tony Hsieh, former CEO of Zappos, who died in 2020 at just 46 years old. After years of assuming he passed without a will, a document dated 2015 recently surfaced, raising new questions and creating even more complications.

And while we may never know the full story behind Tony’s planning—or lack thereof—his case is a cautionary tale that highlights why a one-time legal document is not enough. It’s also a powerful reminder of the kind of peace, clarity, and legacy a well-thought-out Life & Legacy Plan can offer.

Where Traditional Estate Planning Falls Short

Even if the newly discovered will is considered valid, its sudden appearance has caused more confusion than clarity. It was found among the belongings of a man with Alzheimer’s—someone Tony’s closest friends had never heard of. The language in the will is reportedly difficult to follow and includes an unusual clause: if any family member contests it, they get nothing.

This kind of mess doesn’t just happen because someone was wealthy or famous. It happens when planning is treated like a checklist item—documents are drafted, signed, and filed away with no follow-up, no guidance for loved ones, and no one who can step in and speak to your true wishes.

Most people—including attorneys—think all you need to do is draft and sign a will and maybe a few other documents, like a health care directive and a power of attorney, and then you’re done. But, as we see in Hsieh’s case, that is rarely enough. The documents are a part of the estate plan, but they are not the whole plan.

A will alone can fall short when it:

• Isn’t part of a larger, intentional plan;

• Is hard to find or access when needed;

• Doesn’t explain what to do when something happens;

• Isn’t reviewed regularly to stay current with your life and assets;

• Fails to include support for the people left behind.

And honestly, most people haven’t stopped to think:
Where are your important documents right now?
Who knows how to find them?
What would your family do if something happened tomorrow?

The True Cost of Poor (or Absent) Planning

Tony’s family has been navigating legal claims, business disputes, and alleged verbal agreements—many made during a time when he was reportedly struggling with mental health and substance abuse. His estimated $500 million estate has been the subject of lawsuits, creditor claims, and confusion.

But the financial cost is only part of the story. The emotional toll, the public scrutiny, and the years spent without clarity around his wishes have cast a shadow over a life defined by innovation and generosity.

This kind of uncertainty is preventable—with the right kind of planning.

The Difference a Life & Legacy Plan Makes

Traditional estate planning focuses on documents. But a Life & Legacy Plan focuses on people.

It’s not just about what happens to your stuff. It’s about making sure the people you love are cared for with clarity, ease, and support—during what will already be a difficult time.

As your Personal Family Lawyer® firm, we use a proprietary Life & Legacy Planning process to help you create an estate plan that won’t fail you and your loved ones. The Life & Legacy Planning process was designed to ensure that your loved ones don’t go through even a tiny fraction of what the Hsieh family is dealing with now. Here’s how our Life & Legacy Planning process is different:

Complete Asset Inventory – Together, we create and maintain a detailed list of everything you own, so nothing gets overlooked or lost. This includes not just bank accounts and property, but also business interests, collectibles, digital assets, and even your stories and values.

Regular Plan Reviews – Your life changes, and your plan should reflect that. We meet periodically to review and update everything so it continues to work the way you intended.

Clear Guidance for Loved Ones – Your plan includes instructions for the people you’ve chosen to step in, so they’re not left guessing or panicking. They’ll know who to contact, what to do, and how to handle everything.

A Relationship, Not a Transaction – Unlike traditional one-and-done planning, our firm builds ongoing relationships with our clients and their families. If something happens, your loved ones will already know who we are and how we can help.

Your Legacy is More Than a Legal Document

You deserve a plan that reflects your heart, your values, and the life you’ve worked so hard to build—not just a pile of legal paperwork. And the people you love deserve a smoother path forward, no matter what life brings.

If that kind of peace of mind sounds good to you, we’d love to connect.

Click below to schedule a Complimentary Discovery call. I’ll walk you through how this works, answer your questions, and help you figure out if now’s the right time to put your Life & Legacy Plan in place.

Book your Discovery Call and start your Legacy journey

This article is a service of AMO LAW, Personal Family Lawyer® firm. We do not just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That’s why we offer a Legacy Planning Session, during which you will get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office today to schedule a Legacy Planning Session and mention this article to find out how to get this $750 session for just $497. 

The content is sourced from Personal Family Lawyer® for use by Personal Family Lawyer® firms, a source believed to be providing accurate information. This material was created for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as ERISA, tax, legal, or investment advice. If you are seeking legal advice specific to your needs, such advice services must be obtained on your own separate from this educational material.