Apple TV's hit series, “Palm Royale,” offers viewers more than just good laughs and drama. Starring Kristen Wiig and Ricky Martin, the comedic cast dives into the upper echelons of Palm Beach society and its underbelly.
In this guide, we’ll explore the estate planning themes depicted in the series, as well as the chaos and sometimes disastrous outcomes that can result from proper planning. Keep reading to learn practical lessons and avoid unnecessary drama through proper estate planning in your own life.
“Palm Royale” Synopsis
"Palm Royale" is a glitz-and-glam comedy series on Apple TV set in 1969, centered around the high society of Palm Beach, Florida. Based on the 2018 novel "Mr. & Mrs. American Pie" by Juliet McDaniel, the show stars Kristen Wiig as Maxine Dellacorte-Simmons, an ambitious social climber from Tallahassee determined to break into the elite circle of an exclusive private club.
As Maxine navigates her way through the glittering world of Palm Beach, she faces fierce opposition from established members of Palm Beach’s circle of socialites. Her primary rivals include Evelyn Rollins (Allison Janney), the reigning "queen of the season," and Dinah Donahue (Leslie Bibb), the sophisticated wife of an ambassador. The series delves into the lengths Maxine will go to achieve her goals and the measures others will take to thwart her.
Creator Abe Sylvia explains that the inspiration for the series comes from contemporary social dynamics, where people often curate idealized versions of themselves on social media. He believes this phenomenon leads to a constant search for a "better" self, a theme reflected in each character's journey in "Palm Royale."
Key Estate Planning Themes in "Palm Royale"
Whether the viewer realizes it or not, “Palm Royale” is chock-full of major estate planning themes, from heirship woes to forms of elder abuse. While the show is comical, there are some scenarios portrayed that would be traumatic in real life. However, comedy is often just as effective at provoking thought and emotion as a drama. In this section, we will analyze some of the key estate planning themes shown in series.
Estates and Heirship
One of the key storylines in the series is that of Maxine’s mission to infiltrate the Palm Beach elite. To do so, she poses as the rightful heir to socialite Norma, who is incapacitated, through marriage. Maxine’s husband, Douglas, seems to believe that he is his aunt Norma’s sole living heir who stands to inherit her Palm Beach estate and fortune. However, in order for this to happen, Norma must pass away. She is currently in a coma following an embolism, and it is unclear whether she will pass away or make a miraculous recovery.
As the show progresses, it is revealed that Douglas and Maxine were not slated to inherit Norma’s fortune. Norma appears to have believed that Maxine tricked Douglas into marriage via pregnancy, although the audience finds out this is not true. However, based on this resentment, Norma has apparently left her estate to a charity over Douglas.
Incapacitation and Medical Proxy
A key aspect of the plot is the incapacitation of Maxine’s aunt Norma. The show opens with Norma already incapacitated following a pulmonary event. She is in a coma, with no signs of waking any time soon. The show makes it seem as though she may not have had Medical Power of Attorney (Health Care Proxy) in place. She is housed in a very elegant and luxurious care facility for the wealthy, but Maxine has an incredibly easy time taking advantage of the circumstances.
Conservatorship
At one point in the first season, Maxine and Norma’s “pool boy” Robert (who the viewers are unsure of whether his loyalty to Norma is pure or if he has ulterior motives of his own) fight over control over Norma’s affairs. They both file contesting petitions for Conservatorship, which Maxine ultimately wins. After being appointed as Norma’s Conservator, Maxine moves Norma from the care facility into the mansion. As the Conservator, she has full access and control over Norma’s fortune. While this is a win for Maxine, this is very much against Norma’s wishes.
Advance Directives
Advance Directives, including Living Wills, are crucial components of an estate plan that come into play if a person becomes incapacitated. These documents outline a person’s wishes regarding medical treatment if they become unable to communicate their decisions. The lack of such directives in “Palm Royale” leads to confusion and conflict among Norma’s family members and caregivers.
Elder Abuse
The show also tackles the sensitive issue of elder abuse, portraying how vulnerable elderly individuals can be exploited financially, not just physically or emotionally. Because Norma apparently does not have the proper protective mechanisms in place, Maxine succeeds in falsely usurping her aunt-in-law’s fortune. She falsely claims herself as Norma’s heiress, steals her clothing and jewelry (even going so far to pawn them off for cash), uses Norma’s social standing for leverage, and ultimately gains control over Norma’s assets through a Conservatorship.
The Lessons Learned from “Palm Royale”
"Palm Royale" not only entertains but also educates viewers on the importance of proper estate planning. The series provides a dramatic illustration of what can go wrong when critical elements of an estate plan are missing or mishandled. Below are key lessons that viewers can take away from the show to apply to their own lives.
Importance of Clear Heirship
One of the main takeaways from "Palm Royale'' is the necessity of clearly defining heirs in estate planning documents. Further, it’s clear that discussions about these wishes must take place. Douglas's assumption that he is Norma’s sole heir led to significant confusion and conflict. Maxine’s behavior is certainly questionable and borderline illegal, she was mainly operating on the assumption that Norma’s fortune would indeed one day be rightfully hers. However, she is in shock upon finding out that Norma actually bequeathed her fortune to the Big Cat Society. In other words, Maxine had been “borrowing” (stealing) from an estate that was never going to be hers. Additionally, revisiting and updating estate plans regularly can prevent misunderstandings and ensure that the intentions of the estate owner are reflected accurately.
Necessity of a Medical Proxy
Norma’s incapacitation highlights the importance of having a designated Medical Power of Attorney. It seems as though she did not have a Health Care Proxy in place, as there is no one preventing Maxine from her scheming ways. Without a clear medical proxy, loved ones may struggle to make crucial healthcare decisions on your behalf, leading to potential conflicts and delays in care. By appointing a trusted individual as your medical proxy, you ensure that your healthcare wishes are respected and that decisions are made promptly and according to your preferences.
The Role of Conservatorship
The battle for Conservatorship between Maxine and Robert underscores the importance of having a clear plan for who will manage your affairs if you become incapacitated. Appointing a Conservator in advance can prevent legal battles and ensure that someone you Trust is in charge of your financial and personal matters. The show highlights a fair point: the person who the law views as the person who should be appointed by default may not be the person you trust. This proactive step can provide peace of mind and safeguard your assets from potential misuse or abuse.
Significance of Advance Directives
The confusion surrounding Norma's care due to the lack of Advance Directives demonstrates the necessity of these documents. Advance Directives, such as Living Wills, provide specific instructions about your healthcare preferences, reducing the burden on family members to make difficult decisions during stressful times. These directives ensure that your medical treatment aligns with your values and desires, even if you are unable to communicate them. It is pretty obvious that Maxine’s treatment of Norma is not something she would have wished upon herself.
Protecting Against Elder Abuse
"Palm Royale" brings to light the risks of elder abuse, especially when proper estate planning measures are not in place. Maxine's exploitation of Norma’s assets highlights the need for safeguards to protect yourself if you ever find yourself in a vulnerable position. Establishing a Trust, appointing trustworthy fiduciaries, and regularly reviewing your estate plan can help prevent exploitation and ensure that your assets are used according to your wishes.
Avoid a Royal Facepalm with a Proper Estate Plan
"Palm Royale" serves as a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of inadequate estate planning. By learning from the characters' mistakes, you can take proactive steps to secure your own estate plan.
Being clear about heirship, appointing your fiduciaries, creating Advance Directives, and protecting your assets are essential components of a comprehensive estate plan. Don’t wait for a dramatic turn of events to realize the importance of estate planning. Secure your own peace of mind and protect your loved ones by setting up a Trust-based estate plan through Trust & Will today.
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