When legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, passed away, the details of their estate plans remained largely private—thanks to their careful use of trusts. While their wills were filed in Santa Fe probate court, most of their assets were shielded from public scrutiny, showcasing one of the most important benefits of having a trust.
According to USA Today in an article titled, “Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa named each other in their wills,” both Hackman and Arakawa ensured their estates would be transferred into a trust, allowing their estate administration to happen privately and without court involvement. This process helps families avoid probate delays and keep sensitive information out of the public eye.
Gene Hackman’s will, signed in June 2005, directs that the remainder of a previously created trust (established in 1994) be poured into the GeBe Revocable Trust. He also acknowledged his three children from a prior marriage: Christopher Hackman, Elizabeth Hackman, and Leslie Allen.
Following the passing of Hackman and Arakawa, Julia Peters was appointed as the personal representative of both estates. She stepped into the role after the originally named representative, Michael Sutin, predeceased the couple. Shortly after Hackman’s will was admitted to probate, Peters notified Hackman’s children of her appointment, as required by law.
This case highlights the importance of naming more than one trusted individual in your estate plan—life can be unpredictable, and having a backup ensures continuity.
Betsy Arakawa’s will directed that all her tangible personal property be distributed according to a separate document, keeping those personal gifts outside of the will itself. The remainder of her estate was set to go into Hackman’s trust if he survived her, which is common in estate plans designed for married couples.
Interestingly, while the couple likely assumed Hackman—30 years Arakawa’s senior—would pass first, their plan was structured to function smoothly regardless of who passed away first. It’s a reminder that estate planning must be flexible and thoughtful to work effectively in any scenario.
At The Werner Law Firm, we help individuals and families build estate plans that protect their privacy, avoid unnecessary court involvement, and ensure their legacies are preserved. Whether you need a revocable trust, a pour-over will, or an entire estate strategy, our experienced estate planning attorneys in Frisco are here to help.
If you have any questions, schedule a free appointment with us through our online appointment page.
You can also read reviews from some of the hundreds of clients we have helped over the years.
Reference: USA Today (March 15, 2025) "Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa named each other in their wills"
Founded in 1975 by L. Rob Werner, The Werner Law Firm and our dedicated attorneys are available for clients, friends, and family members to receive the legal help they need and deserve. You can trust in our experience and reputation to help navigate you through your unique legal matters.
Hiring a lawyer can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. From the moment you contact our firm, through the final resolution of your matter, our goal is to make the process easy and understandable. Through our Werner Law Firm Difference, our goal is to have you feel like a burden was lifted from your shoulders, and that we made the whole process an easy one
If you’re looking into taking care of your estate planning, we urge you to schedule a free initial appointment today and join the many satisfied clients who have contacted Werner Law Firm.
