Imagine you’re worth $17 billion and have over 100 biological children—some born through relationships, others through anonymous sperm donations. What would your estate plan look like? More importantly, what could go wrong if you didn’t have one?

In a recent interview with Le Point magazine, Pavel Durov, the co-founder of Telegram, revealed exactly that. Durov, who is just 40 years old, says he has six children through relationships with three partners and over 100 more conceived through anonymous sperm donations across 12 countries. Despite this staggering family tree, Durov says he plans to leave his fortune equally to all of his biological children.

Most of us won’t leave behind a tech empire, a billion-dollar estate, or triple-digit biological children. But Durov’s story reveals something important: no matter how complex or simple your life may seem, you need an estate plan that works. Here's why.

You Don’t Need a Billion Dollars to Need a Plan

Let’s get this straight—estate planning isn’t just for billionaires. Whether you have $1,000 or $10 million, your assets matter. More importantly, the people you love and the life you’ve built deserve good choices and good planning.

In fact, having less money often makes planning even more critical. Without a plan, your family could be stuck in court, paying legal fees and waiting months (or years) to gain access to your accounts, your home, or even the legal authority to make decisions for you, if you're incapacitated.

Estate planning also goes beyond money. It’s also about:

• Naming legal guardians for your minor children - and preparing them to raise your children in the way you want and with the resources they need;
• Choosing someone to make healthcare decisions if you can’t - and equipping them with the clarity they need so your wishes are honored;  
• Making sure your loved ones know how to find and access all your assets so nothing gets lost and turned over to your state’s department of unclaimed property;
• Communicating your values, wishes, and legacy clearly so your loved ones are on the same page and don’t fight over what they think you wanted.

But as Durov’s story shows, having a plan is just the beginning. What really matters is how you plan—and who your plan includes.

Equal Doesn’t Always Mean Simple

Durov made headlines by declaring he will treat all of his biological children equally—regardless of how they were conceived. In theory, this sounds noble. In practice, it’s complicated.

Let’s unpack that. First, how do you even find all 100+ children—especially if they were conceived anonymously in different countries? Who gets to verify their biological connection? What if two children fight over their share of the inheritance? What if one child was never told the truth about their conception?

Even if you don’t have 100 heirs, blended families and nontraditional family structures are more common than ever. Maybe you have children from previous relationships, stepchildren, adopted children, or even children you’re not in regular contact with. If your estate plan isn’t crystal clear, your family could face painful conflict—or worse, end up in court.

An effective plan addresses not just who inherits, but how, when, and under what conditions. It should:

• Be updated as your family changes
• Clarify your intentions around inheritance
• Name the right people to manage your estate
• Minimize the chances of conflict

Don’t assume your family will “just work it out.” Without a plan, the state decides—and that rarely leads to outcomes aligned with your wishes.

And if you’re thinking of delaying access to assets to avoid “trust fund baby” syndrome, there’s a smart way to do it. But you need more than good intentions—you need legal tools.

Timing and Trusts Matter More Than You Think

Pavel Durov says he doesn’t want his children accessing his fortune right away. Instead, he’s locking it up for 30 years so they can “build themselves up alone.” That approach may resonate with you—many parents don’t want their children inheriting a large sum before they’re mature enough to handle it.

The good news is, you don’t have to be a billionaire to set up similar protections. With the right kind of trust, you can:

• Delay inheritance until a specific age or milestone or even keep an inheritance protected while giving your heirs access to use the assets
• Distribute funds over time (e.g., one-third at age 25, one-third at 30, the rest at 35) or hold them all in trust with your heirs becoming co-trustees, and then even sole trustees, when they are educated and ready
• Limit how funds can be used (like education, housing, or medical care)
• Appoint a trustee to manage the money wisely

Trusts also help avoid probate, which is often a long, expensive, and public court process. They offer privacy and peace of mind, especially if your family includes young children, special needs beneficiaries, or high-conflict dynamics.

Without a trust, delayed inheritance plans can easily fall apart—or be contested in court. In short, the law needs to back up your wishes.

Planning Isn’t Just Legal—It’s Personal

The most powerful part of Durov’s story isn’t the money—it’s his desire to treat all of his children as equals and prevent conflict after his death. That’s an emotional choice, not just a financial one.

That’s what true estate planning is about. It’s about making intentional decisions that reflect your values and relationships.

When we work with families to create a Life & Legacy Plan, we don’t just talk about assets. We talk about the people you love, your vision for their future, and how you want to be remembered. That means:

• Ensuring your children are raised by the people you choose in the way you want, with the resources they need, or when they are adults, preparing them to receive whatever you’ll leave behind
• Creating a system for passing on not just wealth, but wisdom
• Including an asset inventory so nothing gets lost or overlooked
• Recording a Life & Legacy Interview to preserve your stories and values

These are the things your family will need most—not just bank accounts and deeds, but guidance, clarity, and support.

Your Plan Needs to Work When It’s Needed Most

Here’s the truth: even the best documents can fail without regular review, ongoing support, and thoughtful execution.

Most traditional estate plans are one-time transactions—sign some papers, put them in a drawer, and hope they work. But life changes. Families grow. Assets shift. Relationships evolve.

If your plan isn’t updated regularly, it might not work when your loved ones need it to. That’s why we follow a proven system that includes:

• A 3-Meeting Planning Process to get your plan done
• At least a 3-Year Review Cycle to keep it current
• Flat fees so you’re never surprised by an unexpected bill
• Ongoing support for your family after you’re gone, so they have someone to help them when they need it most

Because when the time comes, your family shouldn’t be left guessing. They should have a trusted advisor who knows your plan, your wishes, and how to make it all work.

Let’s Build a Plan That Honors Your Legacy

No matter your family size, wealth level, or complexity, you deserve a plan that protects the people you love and the life you’ve built.

As a Personal Family Lawyer®, we help you create a Life & Legacy Plan that keeps your loved ones out of court and conflict, avoids unnecessary taxes and delays, and gives your family something even more valuable than money: peace of mind.