It’s the end of the month. This month we’re talking about pets inheriting and living funerals.
The Richest Cat in the World
When fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld died in 2019, there was much speculation about who would receive his estate. To this day, seven years later, there is still not much known about his estate, which was ballparked to be in the amount of almost $200 million. Under French law, estate distributions are private. This has not prevented speculations and rumors from guessing that at least a portion of the estate was bequeathed to models with whom Lagerfeld has a close connection, those who worked for him, and his cat, Choupette.
Lagerfeld was no stranger to sharing his cat’s extravagant life during his lifetime. She often traveled by private jet and ate chef-prepared meals at his table. She even had her own modeling career. At the time of Lagerfeld’s death, rumors swirled amongst British Tabloids that Choupette had received a bulk of his fortune. Lagerfeld designated his housemaid Françoise Caçote, who had long been the cat’s primary other ongoing caretaker.
Under French law (and Arizona law), animals cannot inherit directly. So, while she may be regarded as “the richest cat in the world,” Choupette cannot have any assets of her own. Instead, many have speculated that money was left to Caçote for Choupette’s benefit. Bérullier who runs My Pet Agency (which represents Choupette) suggests that all should be skeptical of stories that Caçote has already received a million-plus sum on Choupette’s behalf.
Living Funerals
The Washington Post published an article on living funerals. Living funerals are memorial gatherings that take place before a person’s death. They are used to celebrate the life lived, share memories and say goodbye. The article describes the living funeral for Ember Maucere, a woman diagnosed with terminal breast cancer, as three-day-long party, complete with funeral performances, dancing, food and art. Others are more intimate and secular. Often these gatherings are planned with friends, family and the assistance of professionals like death doulas. They provide an opportunity for closure and for a person to see the impact that they have had on others during their lifetime.
Other Stuff
- The New York Times released an article on Lessons from readers in the trenches of parent elder care. (1) You may have to help pay bills. (2) A parent’s dream or desire could be unsafe or your burden. (3) Caring for an elderly parent may impact your career. (4) Elder care requires a support network. (5) You should use this to consider what your elder care may look like in the future.
- Want your coffin or urn to be unique? Check out these crazy coffins!
- John McClain, a co-executor of Michael Jackson’s estate died at the age of 71.
- AI and DIY estate plans can cause more headaches and cost more money than they avoid.
- Robert Fleming talks about one of his favorite charities: Mission Garden.
