What Is Howard K. Stern Net Worth?
Howard K. Stern, an American attorney best known for his high-profile association with Anna Nicole Smith, has an estimated net worth of $500,000. Although he built his career in law, Stern became a widely recognized public figure during the early 2000s due to his close personal and professional relationship with Smith, which drew intense media scrutiny and legal controversy.
His financial standing reflects a career shaped not only by legal work but also by years of public legal battles, media appearances, and later efforts to return to a more traditional role within the legal profession.
| Howard K. Stern Net Worth | $500,000 |
| Date of Birth | November 29, 1968 |
| Place of Birth | Los Angeles, California |
Early Life
Howard Kevin Stern was born on November 29, 1968, in Los Angeles, California. Raised in a Jewish family, he pursued higher education at the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1990. He later attended the UCLA School of Law, obtaining his Juris Doctor before being admitted to the State Bar of California in 1994.
Relationship with Anna Nicole Smith
Stern first became involved with Anna Nicole Smith in the mid-1990s while working as her attorney on modeling and contractual matters. Their relationship grew closer following the death of her husband, billionaire J. Howard Marshall, as Stern played a key role in her legal efforts to claim a portion of Marshall’s estate.
The pair became widely known to the public in 2002 when they co-starred in the reality TV series The Anna Nicole Show. The program offered a glimpse into Smith’s personal life and featured Stern as a central figure, often portrayed as both her confidant and manager.
In 2006, Stern and Smith exchanged vows in a non-legally binding ceremony in the Bahamas. Tragedy struck soon after: Smith’s son died in September 2006, and Smith herself passed away in February 2007 due to a drug overdose. These events placed Stern at the center of global media attention.
Paternity Dispute
Following Smith’s death, Stern became involved in a widely publicized paternity dispute over her infant daughter, Dannielynn. Although he was initially listed as the father on the birth certificate, DNA testing later confirmed that photographer Larry Birkhead was the biological father.
Stern did not contest the ruling and ultimately supported Birkhead’s custody of the child. Despite this, the case contributed to years of legal scrutiny and public attention.
In 2009, Stern faced criminal charges related to the alleged overprescription of medications to Smith. Although initially convicted, those charges were later dismissed in 2011 and again in 2015, with the court citing concerns that he had been unfairly targeted due to his public profile.
Media Career
Beyond his legal career, Stern briefly ventured into entertainment. His most notable appearance came through The Anna Nicole Show, which aired for three seasons and significantly raised his public profile.
Years later, in 2019, Stern returned to a more traditional legal path by joining the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office, signaling a shift away from the spotlight.
Libel Lawsuit
Stern also made headlines for filing a $60 million libel lawsuit against journalist Rita Cosby over claims made in her book “Blonde Ambition.” The case drew attention due to allegations involving fabricated evidence and questionable reporting practices. The lawsuit was eventually settled out of court in 2009.