Whitney Houston's will stipulated that her daughter, Bobbi Kristina Brown, would inherit an estate valued at approximately $20 million. This significant sum was structured to be distributed in a series of payments over several years, ensuring financial stability and maturity for the heir.
Understanding the Distribution of Whitney Houston's Estate
The terms of Whitney Houston's will outlined a carefully planned distribution of her assets to Bobbi Kristina Brown. Rather than a lump sum, the inheritance was set up to be received in installments as Bobbi Kristina reached specific milestones in her life. This common estate planning strategy aims to provide beneficiaries with financial support while also encouraging responsible management of wealth over time.
The payment schedule was designed to provide increasing sums as Bobbi Kristina aged, with the final and largest portion disbursed upon reaching adulthood milestones.
Age of Distribution | Percentage of Estate | Estimated Amount (USD) |
---|---|---|
21 | 10% | Approximately $2,000,000 |
25 | 30% | Approximately $6,000,000 |
30 | 60% (Remainder) | Approximately $12,000,000 |
Note: The initial 10% distribution at age 21 was stated to be "about $2 million," from which the total approximate estate value of $20 million is derived.
Breakdown of Payments
The inheritance was designed to be disbursed through three distinct phases:
- First Distribution (Age 21): At this milestone, Bobbi Kristina was to receive the initial 10% of the estate. This first payment provided a substantial sum, estimated at around $2 million, marking her entry into managing a significant portion of her inheritance.
- Second Distribution (Age 25): The second phase would have seen Bobbi Kristina receive a larger share, 30% of the total estate. This substantial distribution, approximately $6 million, was intended to provide greater financial resources as she progressed into her mid-twenties, potentially for investments, property, or other long-term financial goals.
- Final Distribution (Age 30): The remainder of the estate, constituting 60% of the total, was designated for distribution when Bobbi Kristina reached the age of 30. This final payment, estimated at around $12 million, would have given her full control over the vast majority of her inheritance, reflecting a common legal and financial practice of entrusting beneficiaries with full control once they are considered to have reached a higher level of maturity.
This structured approach aimed to safeguard the inheritance and provide a steady stream of funds, rather than overwhelming a young beneficiary with the entire sum at once.