100 Heirs, $17 Billion & a Tech Billionaire’s Estate Playbook
Imagine you’re sitting on a $17 billion fortune—and you're a parent to over 100 biological children, from three relationships and countless sperm donations. How does a rock-solid estate plan even begin to look in that scenario? And what chaos could unfold without it?
That’s exactly what Telegram co‑founder Pavel Durov revealed in a recent interview with Le Point. At just 40, he has six kids from relationships, plus more than 100 conceived through anonymous donations across 12 countries—and he plans to leave everything equally to all of them.
But here’s the kicker: his inheritance is locked up for 30 years after his death, a deliberate move so his kids can “live like normal people” and forge their own paths before tapping into his wealth.
Sure, most of us aren’t billionaires—or super‑dads of 100+ kids. But Durov’s story proves a vital truth: no matter your family’s shape or your net worth, you need an estate plan that’s clear, flexible, and safeguarded.
Who gets what—and when?
How do you prevent family conflict?
What legal mechanisms protect the people you care about?
His setup exemplifies how strategy, structure, and foresight bring order to complexity. Whether your plan involves six kids or one, millions or thousands, you deserve the same clarity.
Let Durov’s blueprint inspire you—but remember: planning isn’t just for the ultra‑wealthy—it’s for anyone who cares about preserving their values and protecting their people.
You Don’t Need a Billion Bucks to Need a Plan
Let’s clear this up once and for all: estate planning isn’t just for the ultra-wealthy. Whether you’ve got $1,000 or $10 million, what you own—and more importantly, who you love—deserves to be protected with intention and clarity.
Honestly? Having less money makes planning even more important. Without it, your family could be stuck in court, drowning in legal fees, and waiting months (sometimes years) to access your accounts, your home, or even make basic decisions if you're incapacitated.
And this goes way beyond money. Estate planning is about:
Naming guardians for your minor kids—and making sure they’re prepared to raise them your way.
Choosing the right person to make healthcare decisions if you can’t—and giving them the guidance to do it confidently.
Making sure your loved ones can actually find your assets—so nothing ends up in the state’s unclaimed property pile.
Clearly communicating your wishes and values—so your family isn’t left guessing (or fighting) about what you would have wanted.
Pavel Durov’s story might come with billions and 100+ kids, but the real lesson? Everyone needs a plan. The real difference lies in how you plan—and who you include.
Want to make sure your plan works when it matters most? That’s where I come in. Let’s do this right.
Equal Doesn’t Always Mean Easy
Pavel Durov made headlines when he said he’ll leave his entire fortune to all of his biological kids—equally. Sounds noble, right? But let’s be honest: equal doesn’t always mean simple.
Here’s the reality:
How do you even find 100+ kids, especially if they were conceived anonymously in different countries?
Who confirms the biological connection?
What happens if some of them disagree—or weren’t even told the truth about their conception?
Who steps in when someone feels left out or shortchanged?
Now, maybe you don’t have 100 heirs across 12 countries. But blended families, stepkids, adoptions, and estranged relationships? That’s real life for a lot of people. If your plan isn’t clear, specific, and legally tight, your family could be facing confusion, conflict—or a long, expensive trip to probate court.
A smart estate plan does more than say who gets what. It should also cover:
When and how assets are distributed
Legal tools to avoid “trust fund drama”
The right people to manage everything
Clear, updated instructions that reflect your values
Please don’t assume your family will “just figure it out.” That’s how good intentions turn into court dates. If you’re hoping to delay access to assets until your kids are ready (and dodge that trust fund baby energy), there’s a right way to do it—with legal guardrails, not guesswork.
Timing (and Trusts) Matter More Than You Think
Pavel Durov isn’t handing his billions over to his kids right away. He’s locking that money up for 30 years so they have time to “build themselves up alone.” And honestly? That makes sense. A lot of parents don’t want their kids inheriting a lump sum before they’re ready for the responsibility.
The good news? You don’t need to be a billionaire to set up smart protections like that. With the right kind of trust, you can:
Delay inheritance until a certain age or milestone (think: graduating college, getting married, or just being a functional adult).
Spread distributions out over time—like a third at 25, another chunk at 30, the rest at 35—or let your kids grow into trustee roles as they mature.
Limit how the money can be used—like for school, a first home, or medical expenses.
Appoint a trustee to manage everything wisely and keep things on track.
Bonus: trusts skip probate, which means your loved ones avoid a long, expensive, and very public court process. Plus, they give you privacy, flexibility, and peace of mind—especially if you’ve got young kids, a blended family, or any high-conflict potential brewing.
Estate Planning Isn’t Just Legal—It’s Deeply Personal
The most powerful part of Pavel Durov’s story isn’t the billions—it’s his commitment to treat all of his children equally and prevent conflict after he’s gone. That’s not a financial move. That’s a human one.
And that’s the real heart of estate planning. It’s not just about documents and dollars. It’s about making intentional decisions that reflect your values, your relationships, and your vision for your family’s future.
When I work with families to create an Estate Plan, we go beyond assets. We talk about:
Who should raise your children if you can’t—and how to make sure they’re cared for the way you want
Passing down wisdom and guidance, not just wealth
Creating an up-to-date inventory so nothing important slips through the cracks
Recording an Estate Interview to preserve your voice, stories, and values for the people you love most
Because when the time comes, your family won’t just need a bank account—they’ll need clarity, comfort, and connection to you. That’s the kind of planning that actually matters.
Your Plan Needs to Perform—Not Just Sit Pretty
Let’s be honest: even the best-drafted documents mean nothing if they’re left unattended. Without regular check-ins, consistent support, and careful execution, your plan can easily fail in the moment you need it most.
Most estate plans are treated like one-and-done: sign some papers, stash them in a drawer, and hope for the best. But life doesn’t work that way—families evolve, assets change, laws shift, relationships transform.
If your plan isn’t refreshed regularly, it might not protect your loved ones when it matters. That’s why I use a proven system that delivers:
Three-step Planning Process — to build a strong, customized plan
Review cycle at least every three years — to keep it current
Flat-fee pricing — so you never face surprise bills (fair and transparent)
Lifelong support for your family — so they’re never left scrambling after you’re gone
Because when things go sideways, guesswork and outdated papers won’t help. Your family needs a trusted advisor—someone who knows your plan, understands your wishes, and can make sure it actually works in real life.
Let’s Build a Plan That Truly Honors Your Legacy
Whether you’ve got a small crew or a big blended family, a modest nest egg or significant assets, you deserve a plan that protects your people and honors the life you’ve built.
As your Personal Family Lawyer®, I’ll help you craft a Life & Legacy Plan that:
Keeps your loved ones out of court and prevents conflict
Avoids unnecessary taxes, fees, and delays
Offers something beyond money—peace of mind
Ready to start? Book your free 15-minute discovery call today, and let’s build a plan that works—for your family, no matter how many that includes. https://go.20westlegal.com/meeting-scheduler
This article is a service of 20WestLegal LLC. We don't just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death for yourself and the people you love. That's why we offer a Planning Session, during which you will get more financially organized than you've ever been before and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office in Sudbury, Massachusetts today to schedule an Estate Planning Session and mention this article to find out how to get this $750 session at no charge.
The content is sourced from Personal Family Lawyer® for use by Personal Family Lawyer® firms, a source believed to be providing accurate information. This material was created for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as ERISA, tax, legal, or investment advice. If you are seeking legal advice specific to your needs, such advice services must be obtained on your own separate from this educational material.