From Cher to Secret Love Children: How Sonny Bono’s Missing Will Sparked a Hollywood Estate War

The Pop Star-Turned-Congressman’s $2 Million Estate Battle Reveals Critical Planning Mistakes

When Sonny Bono died in a skiing accident in 1998, he left behind something that would horrify any estate planning attorney: absolutely no will. What followed was a dramatic battle over his $2 million estate that drew in everyone from his ex-wife Cher to a man claiming to be his secret love child.

His widow, Mary Bono, found herself fighting off multiple claims against the estate in a legal battle that would last for months:

The Battle for Bono’s Millions

Cher’s Surprising $1.6 Million Claim

Despite her own $300 million fortune, Cher stunned the legal world by pursuing $1.6 million in allegedly unpaid alimony from her ex-husband’s estate. The claim dated back to their 1974 divorce agreement, which required Bono to pay:

• $25,000 monthly for six months
• $1,500 monthly in child support
• $41,000 in legal fees

The Secret Son Scandal

The controversy intensified when 35-year-old Sean Machu emerged with a shocking claim to Bono’s legacy.

Although Bono admitted to having an affair with Machu’s mother in his autobiography, The Beat Goes On, and Machu’s birth certificate lists Salvatore Bono (aka Sonny) as the father, the claim quickly unraveled when Machu withdrew his lawsuit rather than submit to DNA testing.

The Final Resolution

After months of legal wrangling, the court finally settled Bono’s estate, dividing it between:

Mary Bono, his surviving spouse

Chaz Bono (formerly Chastity), his child with Cher

Christy Bono Fasce, his daughter from his first marriage

Protect Your Legacy: 3 Estate Planning Lessons from Sonny Bono’s Case

Sonny Bono’s estate battle teaches us three crucial lessons about estate planning:

Even the Wealthy Aren’t Immune: As a successful entertainer and congressman, Bono had the means to create a proper estate plan—but procrastination cost his family dearly.

Old Claims Can Resurface: Without proper documentation, even decades-old financial obligations can come back to haunt your estate.

Family Drama Multiplies: The absence of a will can invite unexpected claims from distant relatives or alleged heirs, creating stress for your loved ones.

Take Action Now: Secure Your Family’s Future

Don’t let your family face the same challenges as Sonny Bono’s heirs.

Estate Planning: Not Just for the Elderly

Estate planning is a crucial consideration for adults of all ages, and it’s particularly vital for certain groups. Here’s why estate planning matters for everyone:

New Parents Need Estate Planning More Than Most

Without proper estate planning, your children’s future hangs in the balance. If both parents pass away unexpectedly, the court—not you—decides who will raise your children and manage their inheritance. This means a judge who never knew your family could make crucial decisions about your children’s upbringing and financial security.

Through thoughtful estate planning, you maintain control over these vital decisions. You can establish a trust that protects your children’s inheritance and ensures they receive funds at appropriate ages, rather than getting a lump sum at 18. You can also carefully select trusted individuals to manage your children’s assets and make key decisions about their care. Perhaps most importantly, you can provide detailed guidance about your values and wishes for your children’s upbringing, creating a lasting blueprint for their future even in your absence.

Incapacity Planning is Critical for Everyone

While we often think of estate planning in terms of death, temporary or permanent incapacity can strike at any age through accident or illness. Without a proper incapacity plan, courts—not your family—make crucial decisions about your medical care, finances, and living arrangements.

A comprehensive incapacity plan puts you in control of these vital decisions. Through essential documents like a Durable Power of Attorney, Healthcare Power of Attorney, Living Will, and HIPAA Authorization, you ensure your wishes are followed even when you cannot speak for yourself. These legal tools allow your chosen representatives to act swiftly on your behalf without the need for costly and time-consuming court intervention.

Most importantly, an incapacity plan spares your loved ones from the emotional and financial burden of court proceedings during an already stressful time. Instead of wrestling with legal uncertainties, your family can focus on what matters most—your care and recovery.

Why Early Estate Planning Makes a Difference

Creating an estate plan early in life offers advantages that last generations. Beyond the immediate peace of mind that comes from knowing your affairs are in order, early planning provides crucial protection for your loved ones. It establishes clear instructions for your care and prevents the kind of family conflicts that often emerge during emotional times—as demonstrated by the months-long legal battle over Sonny Bono’s estate (Los Angeles Times, 1998

Early planning also makes financial sense. By addressing these matters now, you can minimize future legal expenses and avoid costly court involvement. Plus, establishing your plan early gives you the flexibility to update it as your life circumstances change, ensuring your wishes always reflect your current situation.

Remember: Estate planning isn’t about preparing for death—it’s about protecting yourself and your loved ones throughout life’s journey. Just as importantly, it isn’t reserved for the wealthy—it’s essential protection every family deserves for their peace of mind and future security.

Don’t let procrastination put your family through unnecessary legal battles. Our experienced estate planning attorneys can help you:

Create a comprehensive will or trust

Protect your assets from unexpected claims

Ensure your wishes are legally documented

Provide peace of mind for your family

Schedule a consultation today to discuss the right estate planning strategy for your situation. Contact the Cortes Law Firm at (405)213-0856 to protect what matters most.