Inheritance! The very word conjures up visions of getting millions from a rich dead uncle. In this case, a rich dead grandmother will do.

Ever fantasize about inheriting millions from a dead rich relative? Now imagine if fantasy became reality and those riches were up for grabs, only to be cruelly yanked away.

Craig and Meegan Panzirer are the grandchildren of the now deceased Leona Helmsley, a wealthy businesswoman from New York who was infamously dubbed the “Queen of Mean” by the media. The reigning matriarch of the family had amassed a fortune after dabbling in real estate and marrying a like-minded real estate tycoon. Helmsley had a reputation for being overbearing and difficult to pretty much everyone, including her staff, business associates, and even her grandchildren. Her reputation is further sullied by the fact that she was also indicted on several charges of tax evasion, for which she only ever served a twelve-month prison sentence. Always one to have her way, she unceremoniously dumped both of her grandchildren (Craig and Meegan) from her Last Will and Testament “for reasons known to them.” She died in 2007 at the age of 87. Their $12 million dollar inheritance went to the care and security of Leona’s precious Maltese dog named Trouble (security for the dog had to be boosted after Trouble received multiple death threats). That amount was eventually overturned by a judge who slashed the dog’s share to $2 million. Six million of the dog’s share went to the disowned grandchildren (Craig was awarded four million and Meegan two million).

If you were ever lucky enough to get a $12 million dollar inheritance, what would you spend it on? Paying off your debts? Real estate? Splurge it on trips? Fancy clothes? Or would you more prudently spend it on savings? There have been numerous stories of people who comes across a windfall and end up blowing it all. The grandchildren of their rich deceased grandmother no doubt have a vast network of resources to tap into. Without the inheritance, they would be fine. Still, it has to sting a little. One wonders what they did to be disowned in the first place.