Loune-Djenia Askew, Esq.
Oct 14, 2025
It’s an incredible success story—but also a cautionary one. Even families with wealth, status, and opportunity can face deep divides when estate matters aren’t fully thought through.
Netflix’s House of Guinness offers more than a glimpse into one of history’s wealthiest families—it also shows how family wealth can easily become family conflict without a clear plan.
When Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness, owner of the Guinness brewery, passed away in 1868, he left behind four children—Arthur, Anne, Benjamin, and Edward. His will gave control of the brewery to his eldest son, Arthur, and his youngest, Edward.
While Edward had a sharp business mind and real interest in the brewery, Arthur was more drawn to politics. He stepped away from day-to-day operations and took on his father’s parliamentary seat. Over time, this difference created tension between the brothers.
Eventually, in 1876, Edward bought Arthur out for £600,000 (around $81 million today). Edward went on to grow Guinness into one of the largest breweries in the world by taking it public.
It’s an incredible success story—but also a cautionary one. Even families with wealth, status, and opportunity can face deep divides when estate matters aren’t fully thought through.
Estate Planning Lessons from the Guinness Legacy
Most of us don’t have a family brewery, but many Floridians do have valuable assets like a home or vacation property that will one day pass to their children. Often, these properties are left to multiple heirs, with the expectation that they’ll “figure it out.” But just like Arthur and Edward, heirs don’t always share the same vision.
That’s where estate planning comes in. A well-structured plan can help prevent confusion, resentment, and costly disputes. In addition to a will or trust, families can create heir agreements—written arrangements between beneficiaries that spell out how an inherited asset will be managed, sold, or divided.
For example, an heir agreement might specify:
Who will live in or manage the inherited property
How a buyout will be handled if one heir wants full ownership
What happens if a developer offers to buy the property
How expenses like maintenance and taxes will be shared
These agreements can be notarized, witnessed, or even electronically signed, depending on the family’s preference. The goal is simple—to create clarity, fairness, and peace of mind for everyone involved.
The Takeaway
The Guinness family’s story shows that inheritance without structure can lead to division—even among those who seem to have everything. For Florida families, creating a thoughtful estate plan with clear instructions and communication can make all the difference.
When assets, wishes, and responsibilities are clearly defined, you’re not just protecting your property—you’re protecting your family’s relationships and legacy.
For more information, contact our office at Askew & Associates, P.A. by calling 954-546-2699.
Disclaimer: this blog post is not intended to be legal advice. We highly recommend speaking to an attorney if you have any legal concerns.