Anthony Bourdain's will debunked initial guesstimates that he was worth $16 million--or did it? The assets named in his will put his estate, which he left primarily to his 11-year-old daughter Ariane, at $1.2 million. That breaks down to $425,000 in savings, $35,000 in brokerage money, $250,000 in personal property, and $500,000 in intangible property, which includes his royalties and residuals. Seems a little low for a world-renowned TV start and best-selling author.
New reports suggest that Bourdain created a private trust outside the will, which may bring his assets back up toward the originally predicted number. The main reason for using a trust? To reduce estate taxes. In addition, a trust can administer assets for minor beneficiaries without court intervention, while a will cannot. Bourdain listed his estranged wife, Ottavia Busia, as the trustee to his will, and the court will appoint a guardian to protect the money inherited by Ariane through the will.