Any die-hard fan of the Game of Thrones has almost certainly come to realize, death is inescapable.\u00a0 Even the story\u2019s most beloved characters have met their demise, many leaving only a lifetime of suffering and misery to their families.\u00a0 Imagine if they had properly planned their estates \u2013 would there have been a war between the north and the south?\u00a0 Would Danerys still want to conquer Westeros?\u00a0 Would Sansa have been sold to the Bolton\u2019s, or Arya forced to beg on the streets?\u00a0 The Seven Kingdoms might not have become quite as legendary a place, but imagine the fate of your favorite character in a few of these hypothetical scenarios, where the concept of estate planning had been introduced.<\/p>\n
King Aerys II Targaryen \u2013 AKA \u201cThe Mad King\u201d \u2013 AKA Father of Danerys Targaryen<\/u><\/p>\n
King Aerys II Targaryen is the first king in the tale of Game of Thrones, and was killed during Robert Baratheon\u2019s rebellion.\u00a0 He left behind a wife, two sons, a daughter, and two grandchildren.\u00a0 Shortly after his death, his wife, eldest son, and two grandchildren were also killed, leaving his son, Viserys, and daughter, Danerys, (both minors) as sole heirs to his estate.<\/p>\n
Estate planning may not have reversed an overthrown monarchy, but it could have helped Viserys and Danerys find a new home by providing them with financial stability.\u00a0 If King Aerys II had prepared a will, he would have named a guardian to care for his minor children.\u00a0 He would have also established separate testamentary trusts for each child, and assigned his selected guardian as trustee of those trusts.\u00a0 The children would have then had someone to care for them and money to fund their needs.<\/p>\n
The estate planning alternate ending:\u00a0 Viserys and Danerys are well cared for by a guardian and loyal ally to the family.\u00a0 They have the resources needed to construct their ships, build a robust army, and return to Westeros to reclaim their family\u2019s throne.<\/p>\n
King Robert Baratheon<\/u><\/p>\n
Robert Baratheon became the king of Westeros after the death of King Aerys II Targaryen. As king, he marries Cersei of the House Lannister, heir to one of the wealthiest, most powerful families in the kingdom of Westeros.\u00a0 The marriage, arranged by Cersei\u2019s father, Lord Tywin Lannister, was not a happy one.\u00a0 King Robert still pined for his one true love, Lyanna Stark, who died mysteriously during his own rebellion.\u00a0 Cersai continued an incestuous affair with her twin brother, Jamie, with whom she had two sons and a daughter \u2013 claiming King Robert the father of all three.<\/p>\n
King Robert, while out hunting one day, is mortally wounded by a hog.\u00a0 As he is dying, he asks his dear friend Ned Stark, brother of Lyanna Stark, to write his will.\u00a0 Knowing that none of King Robert\u2019s alleged children share his DNA, Ned intentionally replaces the phrase \u201cmy son\u201d with \u201cmy rightful heir.\u201d<\/p>\n
Estate planning 101 \u2013 a \u201cDeathbed Will\u201d is not a good idea.\u00a0 If there is reason to believe the deceased was incapacitated at the time a will was made, the will can be challenged in court.\u00a0 In King Robert\u2019s case, his brother Stannis Baratheon could have easily argued that Robert lacked the mental capacity to create his will, and that he \u2013 his rightful heir \u2013 should have been declared King.<\/p>\n
The estate planning alternate ending:\u00a0 \u00a0Prior to his marriage to Cersei, King Robert hires an attorney who assists him in creating his will, as well as an irrevocable living trust.\u00a0 King Robert appoints his loyal companion, Ned Stark, as Trustee and names only his brothers, Stannis and Renly Baratheon as beneficiaries of the trust (of course, any good lawyer would encourage King Robert to keep his estate plan updated; likely suggesting provisions to the will and trust document to include future children and spouse as additional beneficiaries). \u00a0During his life, King Robert is unable to squander his family\u2019s royal assets, leaving Stannis and Renly with plenty of riches, and a newfound desire for\u00a0traveling. \u00a0The Baratheon brothers decide to flee the Seven Kingdoms and pursue their passion of exploring exotic foreign lands.\u00a0 With Joffrey, King Robert and Cersei Lannister\u2019s alleged son, left with nothing, Ned Stark is declared King and is able to move back to Winterfell with his family, without being labeled a traitor (and losing a head).<\/p>\n