Who will get Matthew Perry's $20 million?

The sudden demise of Matthew Perry has sent shockwaves not only through Hollywood but also among his fans in India, with global cinema stars expressing their grief over the loss. Before his untimely death, Perry had reportedly amassed a significant amount of money, primarily attributed to his iconic portrayal of

Chandler Bing

in 'Friends', earning $20 million annually from syndication and streaming revenue.

Tragically, on October 28, Perry was found dead in the hot tub of his

Pacific Palisades

residence, the apparent cause being drowning.
Regarding the fate of the money Perry earned, it is presumed to belong to his estate. Posthumous earnings are typically considered part of an actor's personal property.

Charlie Douglas

, a certified financial planner and president of HH

Legacy Investments

in Atlanta, outlines three potential scenarios for the fate of Perry's wealth.
Firstly, if Matthew Perry had designated heirs for residual costs through agreements with the Screen Actors American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, those individuals would be entitled to the remaining payments.
Alternatively, Perry might have chosen a trust as the beneficiary, in which case the money would flow into the trust, with specific conditions determining its recipients. As trusts are private, the identity of those inheriting the funds remains undisclosed.

Lastly, if Perry did not name any beneficiaries, state law would dictate the distribution of his estate. Given his lack of a spouse or children, this scenario could entail considerable uncertainty if he had not formalized his wishes.
Matthew Perry's living situation with divorced parents and five siblings further complicates estate matters.

Tasha Dickinson

, a partner in Day Pitney's trusts and estate, speculates that Perry's parents will receive royalties from his acting roles and memoirs. If his parents choose to relinquish their rights to the remainder, the funds could potentially be inherited by his five half-brothers. However, the probate court system would ultimately determine the division of Perry's assets.

The absence of an estate plan for Matthew Perry not only leaves a financial puzzle but also raises the possibility of family disputes, which may attract unwanted media attention due to the lack of clear directives.