Accidental Death at 39: Why Estate Planning Matters—No Matter Your Age

Michael Duarte had a full life ahead of him. At 39, the beloved food influencer was growing his brand, sharing recipes with millions, and raising his six-year-old daughter, Oakley, with his wife, Jessica. His content brought joy and connection to people who tuned in for his signature barbecue videos and creative flavor combinations.

Then, on November 8, 2025, everything changed. Michael died during what should have been an ordinary trip to Texas. His death was sudden and unexpected, leaving his family not only heartbroken, but facing immediate financial strain. A GoFundMe campaign appeared almost immediately to help bring his body home to California and cover funeral expenses. The words on the page were simple—and devastating: “This heartbreak came without warning.”

Those words capture a truth many of us avoid. Death doesn’t wait until the “right time.” It doesn’t check your age, your health, or whether your finances are in order. In this article, we’ll look at why estate planning matters at every stage of life—and how thoughtful preparation can spare your family financial crisis during an already painful time.

The False Sense of Security That Comes With Youth

When you’re in your thirties or forties, it’s easy to believe there’s plenty of time. Time to plan. Time to save. Time to get organized “later.”

Michael Duarte was 39. He had rebuilt his life, grown a successful career, and was actively raising his child. Nothing about his circumstances suggested his life would end suddenly. And yet it did.

The real question isn’t whether death will come. It’s whether your family will be prepared when it does.

If something happened to you tomorrow:

• Would your loved ones know where your accounts are?

• Would they have access to money for immediate expenses?

• Would they need to rely on crowdfunding just to get through the first weeks?

These are uncomfortable questions—but avoiding them doesn’t protect your family. Answering them does.

The Hidden Costs of Not Planning

When someone dies without a clear plan, the financial impact goes far beyond funeral costs.

In Michael’s case, his family faced immediate expenses to transport his body across state lines—often costing thousands of dollars. Funeral and burial costs alone typically range from $6,000 to $8,000 or more.

And that’s only the beginning.

Without proper planning, families often face:

• Probate delays that freeze assets for months—or years

• Court and legal fees that drain what you intended to leave behind

• Lost income when a primary earner dies suddenly

• Missed or forgotten assets no one knew existed

All of this happens while loved ones are grieving, exhausted, and overwhelmed. The emotional toll is heavy enough. Adding financial chaos can be devastating.

Why Life Insurance Alone Isn’t Enough

Many people assume that having life insurance means their family is protected. Life insurance is important—but it’s not a complete solution.

Insurance payouts can take weeks or months. Meanwhile:

• Funeral homes require payment

• Mortgages and utilities don’t pause

• Day-to-day expenses continue

There are also serious risks when insurance is paid outright or to minor beneficiaries. Funds may be exposed to creditors, predators, divorce, or costly court oversight—reducing what your family ultimately receives.

Real protection requires more than a policy. It requires a plan.

What Effective Planning Actually Looks Like

Comprehensive estate planning isn’t about focusing on death—it’s about making life easier for the people you love if the unthinkable happens.

Effective planning includes:

• A complete, updated asset inventory so nothing is lost or overlooked

• Clear instructions for access, so your family isn’t forced to play detective

• Immediate access to funds for urgent expenses

• Legal documents that actually work, including trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and guardianship designations

• Ongoing reviews, so your plan stays current as life changes

• A trusted advisor who already knows you and can guide your family when you can’t

This is exactly what a Life & Legacy Plan® is designed to do.

How We Help Protect Your Family’s Financial Future

At Starsia Law, we believe real protection goes far beyond having documents in place. Your loved ones need clarity, guidance, and support at the moment they need it most.

Through our Life & Legacy Planning® process, we help families prepare not just legally, but practically and emotionally. We proactively review and update your plan as your life and assets change, and when you’re no longer able to guide your family yourself, our team will be there for them—so they know exactly what to do and where to turn.

If you’re realizing that your own family would struggle without a plan in place, the next step is simple.

Schedule a complimentary 15-minute discovery call to learn how we can help you protect your family, your assets, and your peace of mind—no matter what happens.

This article is a service of Starsia Law, a Personal Family Lawyer® Firm. 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 Life & Legacy 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. 

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.