100 Heirs, $17 Billion, and 1 Big Estate Plan: What Alaskans Can Learn from a Tech Billionaire

Imagine leaving behind $17 billion... and over 100 biological children.

That's the scenario tech billionaire Pavel Durov, co-founder of Telegram, says he’s preparing for. In a recent interview, Durov revealed that, in addition to six children with three partners, he has more than 100 biological children born through anonymous sperm donations across 12 countries. His plan? Divide his entire estate equally among all of them.

Now, most of us won’t be managing a global tech empire or figuring out how to track down a hundred heirs. But at Alaska Law & Mediation, we believe Durov’s story reveals a deeper truth every Alaskan family should take to heart:

Let’s unpack what this high-profile case can teach us about creating an estate plan that works, especially for families here in Alaska.

Estate Planning Isn’t Just for the Ultra-Wealthy

Here’s the truth: whether you have $1,000 or $10 million, your estate matters. So do your values. And so does the wellbeing of the people you love.

In fact, if you have less money, having a plan is often more important. Without one, your loved ones may end up stuck in Alaska’s probate court, unable to access your accounts, home, or even make medical decisions if you become incapacitated.

These delays can be especially stressful if your family lives out of state—a common situation here in Alaska.

At Alaska Law & Mediation, we help clients across the state—from Anchorage and Seward to rural communities—avoid those kinds of heartbreaking scenarios with plans that are legally sound and deeply personal.

Blended Families, Out-of-State Relatives, and Complex Relationships: It’s Not Just About the Money

While most of us don’t have hundreds of children, many of us do have blended families, stepchildren, adopted children, or children from previous relationships.

Here’s what can go wrong without a thoughtful plan:

• Disputes over who gets what (or whether someone should inherit at all)

• Confusion over guardianship for minor children—especially when closest relatives live out of state

• Assets getting lost or tied up in court

• Family conflict over what they think you wanted

At Alaska Law & Mediation, we help you:

• Choose legal guardians for your children and create a safety net in case you're ever temporarily unavailable

• Clarify how and when your assets should be distributed (not just who gets what)

• Appoint decision-makers for healthcare and finances in case of incapacity

• Make your wishes crystal clear—so there’s no room for interpretation or conflict later

  
  

Trusts Aren’t Just for the Rich—They’re for the Wise

Durov says he wants to prevent his kids from becoming “trust fund babies,” so he’s locking up his fortune for 30 years. That might sound dramatic—but it’s actually a wise strategy.

And no—you don’t need to be a billionaire to do the same.

With the right kind of trust, you can:

• Delay inheritance until your children reach a specific age or life milestone

• Appoint someone you trust to manage funds on their behalf

• Provide for their education, healthcare, and other needs—without giving them full access all at once

• Keep your family out of the probate court system and protect their privacy

  
  

We’ve helped Alaskan parents use trusts to protect their children’s futures, provide for special needs family members, and manage sensitive family dynamics with grace and legal strength.

It’s Not Just Legal—It’s Deeply Personal

Durov’s story isn’t about money—it’s about values. It’s about trying to do right by the people he brought into the world.

That’s what estate planning is really about. It’s about:

• Raising your children with the values you hold dear

• Passing on your stories and wisdom—not just your bank accounts

• Ensuring your wishes are followed, even when you’re not around to explain them

  
  

At Alaska Law & Mediation, we take time to understand you, not just your assets. As a Personal Family Lawyer® firm, we go beyond boilerplate documents to create Life & Legacy Plans that reflect your unique family, your Alaskan lifestyle, and your personal vision for the future.

Our process includes:

• An Asset Inventory, so nothing gets lost

• Legal protections that work during life and after death

• A Life & Legacy Interview that captures your voice, values, and messages to your loved ones

Most Estate Plans Fail—Here’s How We Make Sure Yours Doesn’t

Even the best legal documents can fail if they’re not updated or followed correctly.

At Alaska Law & Mediation, we use a 3-Meeting Planning Process that ensures your plan is:

• Legally accurate

• Reflective of your wishes

• Easy for your loved ones to follow when the time comes

We also offer:

• A 3-year review cycle to keep your plan current

• Flat fees with no surprise bills

• Ongoing support for your family after you’re gone

Because your plan should be there when it matters most—not gathering dust in a drawer.

Let’s Create a Plan That Honors the People You Love

No matter how big your family is—or how small your estate seems—you deserve a plan that protects your loved ones, honors your legacy, and gives you peace of mind.

Whether you're planning for your kids’ future, navigating a blended family, or simply want to make sure your spouse or parents aren’t left in legal limbo, we're here for you.

📞 Schedule your free 15-minute discovery call today and let’s talk about how we can build a plan that works for your life here in Alaska.👉 Click here to book now (Or call us at 907-341-4949)

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.