Attorney Explains What Could Happen to Meghan Markle's Father's Inheritance Without a Will
Thomas Markle's bankruptcy filings have sparked debate over what would happen to his inheritance if he were to die without a will.
Meghan Markle's father, Thomas Markle, recently made headlines after suffering a major health scare and hospitalization. His life was narrowly saved following an emergency leg amputation to remove a blood clot. The incident has since ignited debate over what would happen to his inheritance if he were to die without a will. According to law expert Travis Christiansen, an executor would be required to settle his debts using available assets before the remaining is divided among his children.
According to The Mirror, as of late 2025, estimates of Thomas's net worth remain unclear. Some reports suggest it is around $1.7 million, largely tied to the potential value of a property he reportedly owns in Los Feliz, California. Currently, he lives in a rented apartment in the Philippines, where he pays about $670 in monthly rent. Speaking to the Daily Express, Christiansen explained how the rules of inheritance in the Philippines worked without a will. He said, "While money doesn't usually go straight to anyone who inherits, it would be distributed to Meghan and any other children of Thomas Markle according to the rules of inheritance in the Philippines. If there is no will, usually an executor is appointed; a family member can petition to be the executor." He added, "They must then gather all the information about debts and assets and pay off all debts, including taxes owed, before distributing any money or other assets."
Chiming in, Trust & Estate attorney Jonathan White suggested that accessing an inheritance is not automatic. He argued, "Even if Meghan is named, the estate must go through the probate process, a court-supervised procedure that validates the will and appoints someone to handle the estate." He stressed that only after debts, taxes, and expenses are cleared can potential beneficiaries receive their compensation. He continued, "Without a will, the law decides. With a will, the individual's wishes decide, including who inherits, who does not, and how assets like personal property, real estate, or financial accounts are distributed."
Back in 2016, Thomas filed for bankruptcy for a second time, owing over $30,000, after which he relocated to Mexico before moving to Cebu, Philippines, in 2025. It is assumed that after he squandered his $750,000 lottery win on a failed business venture in the mid-1990s, he first declared his bankruptcy. Commenting on his paybacks, Christiansen noted, "It seems unlikely that he [Thomas] would leave anything to be inherited, given that he has filed for bankruptcy several times in his life." He also revealed that if Thomas was not married to Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland, at the time of her birth, the Duchess could rank lower in inheritance priority than his legitimate children.
Meanwhile, Meghan's relationship with Thomas continues to be icy after his recent hospitalization for leg amputation. Although she had delivered him a letter expressing her good thoughts, the father and daughter had not yet met in person. The letter is understood to have expressed her feelings about his repeated media interviews discussing their fractured bond.
