Zappos’ Owner’s Lost Will
In an extraordinary twist to an already unusual case, the will of tech entrepreneur Tony Hsieh was discovered in February 2025—nearly 4½ years after his tragic death in a house fire. The document wasn’t found in a safety deposit box, attorney’s office, or court records, but mysteriously among the belongings of a recently deceased man with Alzheimer’s disease.
A Puzzling Discovery
The late Zappos CEO, worth hundreds of millions at his death, apparently entrusted his will to an acquaintance named Pir Muhammad, giving him “exclusive possession” to prevent tampering. Hsieh wrote that this unusual arrangement was meant to create a “WOW factor” for his beneficiaries.
Without a known will for nearly five years, Hsieh’s estate has been embroiled in complex probate litigation. His family and associates have battled over assets, including thousands of Post-it notes containing potential financial commitments, while the estate has argued that Hsieh lacked mental capacity in his final years due to substance abuse.
The Consequences of Inaccessibility
This case highlights the severe consequences of unconventional will storage:
- Years of unnecessary legal battles
- Family conflict and uncertainty
- Delayed distribution of assets
- Potential failure to honor the decedent’s true wishes
- Substantial legal expenses diminishing the estate
Some clients retain the original will document. I always urge them to use a fire proof box or cabinet. Moreover, the location of the document and the cabinetry should be known to the surviving family members or personal representatives. Many clients look for other ways of securing their wills.
The Professional Solution
At our law firm, we offer to maintain custody of your original will in our secure, fireproof cabinets. This ensures your most important document is never lost, damaged, or inaccessible when needed.
You receive a certified copy clearly stamped “COPY – Original Maintained by Evan Krame.” This provides you with reference to your estate plan while eliminating confusion about where the original document is located.
You still need to provide your personal representative with clear instructions on accessing your will immediately upon your passing, ensuring a smooth probate process without delays or uncertainty.
When an attorney possesses original documents they are under an ethical duty to protect those documents. This includes a succession plan so that the documents are secure even if the attorney dies.
Peace of Mind Through Proper Planning
The Hsieh case teaches us that even brilliant business minds can make fundamental estate planning errors. A valid will hidden away serves no one.
Don’t leave your legacy to chance. Proper will storage is just as crucial as the document’s contents. Contact our office today to ensure your estate plan includes not just thoughtful provisions, but also reliable, professional document maintenance that gives both you and your heirs peace of mind.
