Marc Epstein Likely Heir to Brother Jeffrey’s Estate, But the Aftermath May Not be Simple

Jeffrey Epstein died Saturday at the age of 66 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges, presumably by suicide. Court documents show that he stated his wealth at $550 million, but many are estimating that his estate is much larger. He did not have a wife and had no known children, so there may be an upcoming battle for his massive fortune.

His younger brother, Mark, is positioned to be awarded the majority of his estate after it is pieced together, lest lawsuits from sexual assault victims decimate it. Epstein had settled with approximately 40 women from his 2008 criminal trial. The victims from the current criminal case were waiting until the culmination of the case, but with a trial no longer possible, the plan has most likely changed. Many of Epstein’s assets may be seized to pay for damages or even for civil forfeiture if it is determined that proceeds of criminal activity was tendered to purchase the assets.

There is no word yet if Epstein left behind a will, but if one does emerge, it may be unorthodox. In July, the New York Times described an interaction in which Epstein expressed interest in cryonics and that he wanted to freeze his head and penis. Epstein was a dedicated purveyor of non-disclosure agreements and those may no longer be viable, so many secrets may be brought to the limelight. Morse Genealogical Services is attempting to help other cash in from the financier’s death, starting a website entitled epsteinheirs.com. Ari Morse, the president of the company, says that dozens have called in claiming to be fathered by Epstein.

See Chris Spargo, Marc Epstein Likely Heir to Brother Jeffrey’s Estate, as Victims Sue, Daily Mail, August 14, 2019; see also Matt Steib, The Legal Aftermath of Jeffrey Epstein’s Death: What Happens Next, Intelligencer, August 14, 2019; see also Jackie Salo, Dozens of Jeffrey Epstein ‘Heirs’ Come Forward to Claim his Estate, New York Post, August 13, 2019

Special thanks to Joel C. Dobris (Professor of Law, UC Davis School of Law) for bringing this article to my attention.