Dear Friend,

Most people remember Gene Hackman for his unforgettable roles in The French Connection, Hoosiers, and Unforgiven.

A legendary actor with a commanding presence, Hackman stepped away from the spotlight years ago—but his recent passing brought him back into the headlines in a heartbreaking way.

Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were both found deceased in their Santa Fe home. Authorities believe she died first from hantavirus, a rare but deadly infection. Hackman—who had been quietly living with Alzheimer’s disease—passed just days later from heart-related complications.

But it wasn’t just their deaths that made headlines. It was what happened after.

The 90-Day Clause—and Why It Matters

Hackman had executed a Will in 1995 naming his wife as the sole beneficiary. She, in turn, had a Will that included a 90-day survivorship clause. That means: if she passed, and Gene died within 90 days, their estate would not go to other individuals, but to charity.

That clause—a single line in a legal document—completely determined what would happen to their estate.

We’re not here to debate whether it was the right choice. We’re here to shine a light on something most families never think about:

What happens when two people die close together?

Who inherits what?

What happens if one of them had dementia and wasn’t mentally capable of making new decisions?

These aren’t just “celebrity estate” questions. They’re real-life questions that affect everyday families… all the time.

The Lesson Isn’t About Fame. It’s About Foresight.

Gene Hackman’s estate plan was over 30 years old. At the time, it probably made sense. But life changes—and so do relationships, family members, health, and priorities.

The sad truth is, many people create a plan once and never revisit it. They assume their spouse will outlive them—or that they’ll have more time to update things later. But life doesn’t always work on our timeline. And when tragedy strikes, your family isn’t just left grieving. They’re left with whatever plan—or lack of plan—you had in place.

A Plan Should Answer These Questions

  • What happens if you and your spouse pass close together?
  • Who steps in if one of you becomes mentally incapable of managing your own affairs?
  • Have you named backups? Successors? Contingencies?
  • Are your documents clear, updated, and legally sound?
  • Do your loved ones know where things are, what to do, and who to call?

Because if they don’t… They’re not just left in mourning. They’re left in chaos.

The Most Loving Thing You Can Do

Nobody likes to talk about death. And most people avoid planning because it feels morbid or complicated.

But here’s the truth:

A good plan isn’t about dying. It’s about protecting the people you love.

It’s about making sure your spouse isn’t stuck in court trying to figure things out. It’s about making sure your adult children don’t have to untangle a mess in the middle of their grief. It’s about making sure your legacy—however large or small—is passed on with intention, not confusion.

Gene Hackman lived a remarkable life. But even with fame, wealth, and years of experience—his final chapter still teaches us something powerful: Planning isn’t about control. It’s about compassion.

If it’s been years since you reviewed your plan—or if you don’t have one at all—now is the time. Don’t wait until it’s too late to protect the people who matter most. Let’s make sure your wishes are clear. Your loved ones are protected. And your story ends the way you want it to.

Call Bascom Law today to schedule your consultation. Because when it matters most, the right plan makes all the difference.

Sincerely and Thanks,

Mike

Mike Bascom
Bascom Law, PC
770-285-5493