100 Heirs, $17 Billion, and 1 Big Estate Plan: What You Can Learn from a Tech Billionaire
Imagine you’re worth $17 billion and have over 100 biological children — some from relationships, others through anonymous sperm donations in 12 different countries. What does your estate plan look like?
More importantly… what could go horribly wrong if you didn’t have one?
In a recent interview with Le Point magazine, Pavel Durov, co-founder of Telegram, revealed that he plans to leave his entire fortune equally to all of his biological children — six born through relationships and more than 100 conceived anonymously through donation.
And while this sounds like a billionaire fever dream, his story highlights a very real truth:
No matter how simple or complex your life is, you need an estate plan that works.
Let’s talk about why.
You Don’t Need a Billion Dollars to Need a Plan
Here’s the myth:
“Estate planning is for the wealthy.”
Here’s the truth:
Estate planning is for anyone who has people they care about and stuff worth protecting.
Whether you’ve got $1,000 or $10 million, your assets matter. But more importantly, your people matter. And without a plan, they could end up in court, tied up in paperwork, or battling each other — all while grieving.
Planning isn’t just about money. It’s about:
Naming legal guardians for your children
Choosing who makes healthcare decisions if you can’t
Making sure your assets don’t get lost in bureaucracy
Communicating your values, wishes, and legacy clearly
Equal Doesn’t Always Mean Simple
Durov made headlines for saying he’ll leave his fortune equally to all of his biological children — no matter how they were conceived. Noble idea. But legally? Emotionally? Practically? Extremely messy.
How do you find all 100+ children, especially when some were conceived anonymously?
Who verifies biological connection?
What happens if there’s a dispute?
What if one heir was never told about their origin story?
Even if your family tree isn’t that complicated (and thank goodness), blended families, estranged relatives, stepchildren, chosen family, and adult children from previous relationships can all create gray areas that lead to big problems without clear legal guidance.
Your plan should:
Be updated as your family evolves
Clearly state who inherits what, when, and how
Name someone trustworthy to manage your estate
Minimize the chances of confusion or conflict
Don’t assume your family will “figure it out.”
If you don’t decide, the state will — and that usually doesn’t end well.
Timing + Trusts: Why They Matter More Than You Think
Durov also said he doesn’t want his kids to access their inheritance immediately. He’s locking up his fortune for 30 yearsso they can “build themselves up alone.” You may feel the same way — many parents don’t want their kids to get a windfall they aren’t ready for.
Good news:
You don’t need to be a billionaire to build in protections like this.
With the right kind of trust, you can:
Delay inheritance until your kids reach certain ages or milestones
Distribute funds gradually (think 25/30/35)
Appoint a trustee to manage the funds responsibly
Limit how the funds are used (education, housing, medical care)
Trusts also help avoid probate — which can be slow, expensive, and public. They offer privacy and peace of mind, especially if your family includes:
Young children
Special needs beneficiaries
High-conflict relationships
Complex dynamics (hello, blended families)
Planning Isn’t Just Legal — It’s Deeply Personal
The most powerful part of Durov’s story isn’t the money — it’s his desire to treat all his children equally and prevent conflict after he’s gone.
That’s not just a financial decision.
That’s a values decision.
And that’s what real estate planning is about.
When I work with families, we don’t just talk about assets. We talk about:
Who you love
What you want for their future
How you want to be remembered
This includes:
Naming the right guardians and trustees
Creating a system for passing down wisdom and stories
Recording a Life & Legacy Interview for your family
Making sure nothing gets lost or overlooked
Because your loved ones won’t just need money — they’ll need clarity, support, and guidance.
Your Plan Needs to Work When It’s Needed Most
Here’s the biggest issue with traditional estate planning:
People sign some papers, stick them in a drawer, and hope for the best.
But life changes. Families grow. Assets shift. Relationships evolve.
If your plan isn’t reviewed, updated, and supported, it might not work when your family needs it most.
That’s why we do things differently.
At Memento Law, we follow a proven system that includes:
A 3-meeting planning process
Regular reviews (at least every 3 years)
Flat fees (no surprise bills)
Ongoing support for your loved ones — so they’re never left alone in a crisis
When the time comes, your family won’t be left scrambling.
They’ll have a real person — someone who knows the plan and knows how to make it work.
Let’s Build a Plan That Actually Works
You don’t need a tech empire or 100 heirs to need a solid estate plan.
You just need to care about your people — and want to make life easier for them, no matter what happens.
As your Personal Family Lawyer®, I’ll help you create a Life & Legacy Plan that:
Keeps your loved ones out of court and conflict
Avoids unnecessary taxes and delays
Reflects your values, your relationships, and your legacy
✨ Ready to get started?
Schedule your free 15-minute discovery call and let’s talk about what matters most to you — and how to protect it.
