“He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named might’ve conquered death until Harry Potter came around, but even Dark Lords aren’t immune to estate laws.”
It’s a funny thought, isn’t it?
Imagining Lord Voldemort, the most feared dark wizard in the wizarding world, sitting down with a goblin lawyer at Gringotts to draft a will.
But once the final battle at Hogwarts ended and Voldemort was gone for good, the question remains: what happens to everything he left behind?
Yes, it’s fictional. But the lesson is real.
We may not have Horcruxes or cursed diaries hidden in secret chambers, but most of us—especially parents—have things worth protecting.
And we all want to make sure the people we love are cared for if something were to happen to us.
So today, we’re using a bit of magical imagination to walk through a very real and very important topic: estate planning.
Whether you’re a mom juggling after-school snacks and sports schedules, or a woman managing a busy household, your future (and your family’s) is worth planning for.
Let’s take a peek inside Voldemort’s fictional estate—and find a few real-life lessons hidden in the wizarding world.
What Would Be in Voldemort’s Estate?
He may be gone, but his… inventory lives on.
When Voldemort fell, he didn’t just leave behind a trail of fear and destruction—he left behind stuff.
Magical stuff.
From cursed heirlooms to secret safehouses, loyal followers, and Gringotts vaults filled with who-knows-what, even a Dark Lord had an estate that needed sorting out.
Now, while you probably don’t have a Horcrux hidden in a locket, chances are you do have more to your name than you realize.
Maybe it’s a cryptocurrency account your spouse doesn’t know how to access.
Or an online business you’ve lovingly built while raising your kids.
Maybe it’s that rental property you inherited or the blog that brings in passive income.
Even things like digital photo libraries, Etsy shops, or NFTs are considered assets—and they can cause confusion if left undocumented.
It’s easy to put off thinking about these things, especially when your days are full of carpools, school lunches, and bedtime stories.
But taking a little time now to write down your assets—both the obvious and the out-of-the-box—can be an incredible gift to the people you love most.
You don’t need a vault at Gringotts to make estate planning important.
If it matters to you, it should be named, listed, and protected.
A clear record of your digital and physical assets ensures your family won’t be left trying to untangle a puzzle at one of the hardest times of their lives.
And if Voldemort can stockpile dark magical items across the wizarding world… you can make a list of your passwords and business accounts.
(I promise it’s easier than soul-splitting.)
Who Could Legally Inherit Voldemort’s Estate? (And What That Means for You)
Let’s imagine, just for fun, what would happen if Voldemort—the infamous Dark Lord—never got around to writing a will.
(Shocking, right? You’d think someone obsessed with immortality might plan a little better.)
So who would inherit all his dark and dangerous assets?
Bellatrix Lestrange, his fiercely loyal follower?
Draco Malfoy, whose family walked a fine line between loyalty and self-preservation?
Or maybe an unnamed Death Eater?
Could the Ministry of Magic step in and claim everything?
It sounds a bit ridiculous—and it is.
But it mirrors something that happens in real life all the time: when someone passes away without a will, things get messy.
Not magical, not mysterious—just plain messy.
Real-Life Tie-In: When There’s No Will
In the real world, if there’s no will, the state decides who inherits your estate.
That’s called intestacy.
It’s a legal process where laws—not your personal wishes—dictate who receives your belongings, your home, your money, and even your cherished keepsakes.
And here’s the hard truth: what the law decides may not match what you would have wanted.
And the government takes a good chunk of change—leaving less behind for the ones you love.
For example, if you’re a mom with young children and no will in place, the courts—not you—decide who becomes their guardian.
If you’re a wife, a daughter, or a caregiver with family members who don’t get along, your passing could spark disputes that leave people hurt and relationships broken.
We all want peace for our families—especially in a time of grief.
That’s why estate planning matters so deeply.
It’s not just about “stuff.” It’s about care.
Care for your children, your spouse, your legacy, and the memories you leave behind.
Naming clear beneficiaries in your will helps avoid arguments.
Creating a plan for “what if” ensures your wishes are followed, no matter what.
Because your family deserves clarity—not confusion.
A Quick Tip for Peace of Mind:
Make sure your will includes:
- Clear beneficiaries for each major asset
- A backup plan in case someone listed is unable to inherit
- A trusted executor (someone responsible and organized)
- Guardianship instructions if you have children
- Plans for anything sentimental or meaningful to you
You don’t need to be perfect or have everything figured out. Just start.
Even a simple plan is better than none.
Magical Estate Planning Problems (And What They Mean for You)
In the wizarding world, a Dark Lord’s estate comes with some truly unique problems.
Imagine trying to pass down your most “precious” belongings—Horcruxes that contain pieces of your soul.
Not only are they nearly impossible to destroy (unless your name is Harry Potter), but how do you even assign ownership of something so deeply personal (and, well… evil)?
Then there are magical wills. Are they tamper-proof? Cursed? Hidden away in a secret chamber somewhere? And what if your soul is split seven different ways—how do you even begin to divide that up?
It’s all fantasy, of course—but the real-life version can feel just as complicated, especially for women and parents trying to balance life’s responsibilities with planning for the future.
Many families today have estates that are more complex than they realize.
If you’re caring for children, running a business, or holding onto family heirlooms with deep emotional value, your estate needs thoughtful, personalized planning.
This isn’t just about “who gets what”—it’s about honoring your relationships, protecting what matters, and making sure your wishes are carried out with love and clarity.
Here are a few magical lessons to bring into the real world:
- Sentimental doesn’t mean simple. A child’s baby blanket, Grandma’s wedding ring, or handwritten letters may not have a high dollar value, but their emotional worth is priceless. These items deserve to be clearly assigned in your will to avoid unintentional hurt or conflict later.
- Blended families need extra clarity. Second marriages, stepchildren, and shared parenting responsibilities can all add layers to your estate plan. It’s important to make sure everyone you love is cared for—and that your legal documents reflect that care.
- Small businesses are a big deal. If you’ve built a business (even a small one from home), it’s more than an income—it’s a legacy. Consider how you want that legacy to continue, and who should manage or benefit from it.
- Trusts and medical directives are your behind-the-scenes heroes. They may sound intimidating, but trusts can protect your assets and your loved ones from long probate battles. Medical directives ensure your healthcare decisions are honored if you’re ever unable to speak for yourself.
When you’re juggling the needs of your family, it can feel overwhelming to think about estate planning—but the truth is, this kind of planning is one of the most loving things you can do.
And you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
An experienced estate planning attorney can guide you through the process, ask the right questions, and help you create a plan that fits your unique family and values.
Because while none of us have Horcruxes, we do have stories, memories, and treasures worth protecting.
What We Can Learn from Voldemort’s (Lack of) Estate Plan
Even if you’ve never aligned yourself with a Dark Lord (we hope!), Voldemort’s downfall still teaches us something surprisingly important—everyone needs a plan.
And yes, that includes you, sweet friend.
You may not have a magic wand or a lightning bolt scar, but if you’re a woman, a mother, or someone others rely on—you do have something just as powerful: your love, your intentions, and your legacy.
Let’s break down the key lessons we can take from Voldemort’s very hypothetical estate plan (or lack thereof):
1. Have a Will
This is the foundation. A will helps ensure your wishes are known and honored, not guessed or argued over. It’s not about being morbid—it’s about being loving and thoughtful, even when you’re not physically here to speak for yourself.
2. Name the Right People
Think carefully about who you trust. Who would care for your children? Who would handle your affairs with kindness and responsibility? This step is so important—not just legally, but emotionally.
3. Account for Everything
From family photo albums and treasured heirlooms to your online accounts and that little Etsy shop that brings you joy—everything matters. Voldemort’s magical “assets” may have been dramatic, but your everyday ones carry deep meaning, too.
4. Update It Over Time
Life changes—new babies, new homes, new relationships. Your plan should change with it. Estate planning isn’t a “set it and forget it” kind of thing. Revisit it after major life events or at least every few years.
5. Don’t Assume People Will Just Know What to Do
Even the kindest families can struggle when a loved one’s wishes aren’t clear. When you write it down and make a plan, you remove the guesswork—and the burden—during an already difficult time.
It’s Not About the Stuff—it’s About the People
At the heart of estate planning is love. It’s making sure your kids are cared for. It’s ensuring your partner or your parents aren’t left in confusion. It’s one more way you protect the ones you love most.
What Voldemort Got Wrong (and How You Can Get It Right)
Voldemort ruled through fear.
He controlled people, manipulated loyalties, and seemed unstoppable—until he wasn’t.
And when he was finally gone, what did he leave behind? Confusion. Power struggles. Broken connections.
It’s easy to laugh about who might inherit a dark wizard’s stuff or cursed heirloom, but the truth is, many families today face real-life confusion when a loved one passes without a plan in place.
As women—often the keepers of the home, the planners, the protectors—we carry a unique responsibility.
We think about our children, our spouses, our parents.
We worry about making sure everyone is taken care of. But one thing we often put off, sometimes for years, is creating a will or setting up our estate plan.
It might not feel urgent, especially when life is busy and our days are full of laundry, school runs, meals, and work.
But having a plan is a gift—one that brings peace, clarity, and security to those you love most.
Whether you’re starting small with a basic will or considering more complex needs like guardianship decisions, healthcare directives, or digital assets—you deserve to have a plan that reflects your heart.
Let Voldemort be the example of what not to do. He left fear and disorder in his wake.
You can leave peace.
Be wiser than Voldemort. Let’s start your estate plan today.