Jeffrey Epstein's Heiress and Girlfriend Karina Shulyak Will Not Inherit His $100m Fortune: Here's Why

Karina Shulyak, the Belarus‑born companion and supposed main heir of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, has been left with virtually nothing of the fortune he once intended to leave her. This is despite his final trust documents listing her as the beneficiary of roughly $100 million.

This wealth was to include cash, property rights and luxury possessions such as his Manhattan townhouse and private islands.

However, French newspaper Le Monde shared that American and French authorities froze Epstein's remaining assets. This is to ensure they are redirected to a victim compensation fund for those abused in his network.

As of February 2026, legal actions and creditor claims have largely consumed the estate, leaving Shulyak without the inheritance Epstein envisaged.

What Epstein's Will Said About Shulyak

In a trust document signed just two days before his death in August 2019, Epstein named Shulyak as the main heir to his estate.

The so‑called '1953 Trust' was created while Epstein was in jail and detailed that Shulyak was to receive up to $100 million in cash. Plus major properties including his Manhattan mansion, his apartment in Paris, his New Mexico ranch, and his private islands in the US Virgin Islands.

He also planned to give her a 33‑carat diamond engagement ring.

Shulyak, 36, was in a relationship with Epstein for several years and was reportedly one of the last people he contacted before his death. She was described in legal filings as not only his companion but also his manager and confidante during his final years.

Why the Inheritance Is Unlikely to Materialise

Although Epstein's trust documents outlined these gifts, the money and assets are still tied up in legal and probate proceedings.

After Epstein's death, federal and state authorities moved to secure the estate's assets to ensure victims of his abuse could be compensated, rather than allowing beneficiaries to receive payouts.

The estate has already been depleted by large payouts. A restitution fund established after his death paid out £97m ($121m) to victims, and additional settlements amounting to tens of millions have been reached with other claimants. This includes a proposed £28m ($35m) settlement in a 2024 class action lawsuit against the estate's co‑executors.

Victims' claims must be paid before any inheritance can legally be distributed, and with many still unresolved, there is little left for other beneficiaries.

Legal experts say that until all creditor and victim claims are satisfied, none of the assets listed in the trust, including those tied to Shulya are guaranteed to be distributed. In some probate jurisdictions, ongoing claims and costs associated with estate administration can further reduce the total available to heirs.

The same principle applies to Epstein's non-monetary assets, like his Manhattan mansion, Paris apartment, private islands, New Mexico ranch, and jewellery.

These properties are part of the estate and are being handled to satisfy victims' claims and pay taxes first. Only after all obligations are met could any leftover assets theoretically go to Shulyak. However, most of these high-value items are likely to be sold or redirected to compensation funds rather than given to her directly.

Has Shulyak Said Anything About Epstein?

Despite her prominent role in Epstein's life and her naming in estate files, Shulyak has not publicly commented on the inheritance controversy. She is known to reside in New York, where she lived for years before and after Epstein's death.

Investigative files released under the Epstein Files Transparency Act show Karina Shulyak's name appears many times in Epstein's financial and estate documents, showing she was closely involved in his personal affairs.

However, court documents make it clear that she will only get any inheritance after victims are paid and taxes on the estate are settled.

Some reports also mention that Epstein helped pay for Shulyak's education and professional programmes. But these details don't affect the legal outcome of the estate and have not been confirmed by Shulyak herself.