Iconic actress Elizabeth Taylor, who passed away in 2011, wisely secured the confidentiality of her final wishes using a revocable living trust. Unlike a will, trusts bypass public probate, shielding estate details. Taylor’s seventh husband, Larry Fortensky, divulged receiving $825,000 from her estate, plus $1.5 million post-divorce. Ironically, Fortensky, Taylor’s ex-husband, rarely spoke about their marriage during her life.
Fortensky, initially a construction worker, met Taylor in rehab in 1991. Despite divorce in 1996, Taylor supported him financially. Their close bond endured, evidenced by regular phone calls until her final days. Fortensky, nicknamed “Larry the lion,” faced post-marital struggles, his health deteriorating after a severe accident. Taylor’s estate, primarily shrouded in secrecy, likely benefited her heirs and charities. Estimated at $600 million to $1 billion, her net worth emphasizes the advantages of maintaining privacy through tools like revocable living trusts. Taylor’s legacy teaches the importance of discretion, urging others to consider similar estate planning strategies.