Heath's Child Care Drama

There is no mention of two-year old Matilda Ledger in the will of her late father, Heath.

That is because the Brokeback Mountain (GE) star had not updated his will since 2003, when he drafted the document in his native Australia – two years prior to the birth of his daughter. Instead, Ledger leaves his assets to his parents and his three sisters. There is no mention of Matilda's mother, actress Michelle Williams, either.

Having a will is important. Passing on without one, known as dying intestate, leaves the state the power to distribute your possessions. Laws vary in each state, but typically if you are married, your spouse will get everything or the assets will be divided between the spouse and the children. If you don’t have a spouse but do have children then they will be the beneficiaries, says Morris Armstrong, a financial planner in Danbury, Conn. If you don’t have children, then your parents will gain access. “It can get complex, lead to arguments and costly court appearances,” says Armstrong.

Fortunately for Matilda and Michelle, Heath's omission will probably not leave them wanting. In light of the public revelation of his son's will, father Kim Ledger released a statement that he intends to share the wealth. "Matilda is our absolute priority and Michelle is an integral part of our family," Kim said. "They will be taken care of and that's how Heath would want it to be." Taken care of, and then some. After factoring in Ledger's salary for this summer's Batman blockbuster, published reports state his estate may be worth up to $20 million.