Why Did Brooke Hogan Ask to Be Removed from Hulk Hogan’s Will?

In 2023, long before his death, Brooke Hogan made an unusual request: she asked to be removed from her father Hulk Hogan’s will. The headlines drew immediate attention. Why would the daughter of a multimillionaire celebrity decline a potential inheritance? According to reports, her decision had nothing to do with resentment or entitlement. Instead, Brooke wanted to avoid any future legal battles over her father’s estate and distance herself from people she believed were taking advantage of him.

She wasn’t trying to punish anyone. She wasn’t trying to make a statement. She simply didn’t want to be involved in what she feared might become a messy or manipulative situation once her father passed. And as surprising as it might sound, that decision—requesting to be removed from a will—isn’t as outlandish as it might seem. In fact, it’s a very real and entirely legal option, one that more people might consider under the right circumstances.

This post explores Brooke Hogan’s reported choice as a jumping-off point for a deeper conversation: Can someone ask to be removed from a will? Why would they? What does that process look like—especially in Nebraska—and what legal tools are available to accomplish it?

Brooke Hogan and Hulk Hogan: A Cautionary Case Study in Family, Boundaries, and Estate Planning

Brooke Hogan’s story isn’t just tabloid fodder. It’s a window into something deeply human: trying to honor a relationship while maintaining your own emotional safety. In the years leading up to Hulk Hogan’s death, Brooke is said to have grown increasingly uncomfortable with the people around her father. While details vary by source, the throughline is clear: she didn’t want to get caught in a future dispute over money, control, or influence.

Instead of fighting for a share of a reported $25 million estate, she made a formal request through her father’s legal and financial team to be removed from his will. Her public statements after his passing reinforced the point—she cared about her father’s legacy, not his money. She reportedly accepted a small distribution from a life insurance trust, which she intends to use for her children’s education.

So how does that actually work? And is it something an ordinary person—not just a celebrity family member—could or should consider?

Can You Really Ask to Be Removed from a Will?

Yes. But here’s the catch: you can’t remove yourself from someone else’s will. Only the person who created the will—the testator—has the legal authority to make that change. If they’re still alive and have the mental capacity to revise their estate plan, they can absolutely choose to remove a beneficiary, even at that person’s request.

In Brooke Hogan’s case, she likely communicated directly or through counsel with her father’s estate attorney, making her intentions known and asking that her name be removed. If her father agreed—and followed through by executing a revised will—the change would be legally valid.

This is not the same as disclaiming an inheritance, which is a post-death process. But both options have a place in estate planning, and both come with legal and emotional implications that are worth understanding.

Disclaiming an Inheritance in Nebraska: The Legal Side

Under the Nebraska Uniform Disclaimer of Property Interests Act (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 30-2611 to 30-2621), you can refuse an inheritance after someone dies. This is known as a disclaimer, and it’s a formal legal action—not just a verbal refusal or symbolic gesture.

To successfully disclaim an inheritance in Nebraska, the following generally must apply:

• The disclaimer must be in writing.

• It must be signed and filed within nine months of the decedent’s death.

• It must clearly identify the interest being disclaimed.

• It must be delivered to the person managing the estate (like the personal representative or trustee).

• The person disclaiming cannot have accepted any benefits from the inheritance (like using the money or property).

Once you disclaim your interest, you’re treated as if you died before the decedent for purposes of that asset. This means it will pass to the next beneficiary in line, often per the terms of the will or state intestacy laws.

Disclaimers are often used in high-net-worth estate planning or when an inheritance could negatively affect taxes, public benefits eligibility, or family dynamics. But unlike being removed from a will before someone’s death, disclaiming is reactive—it only works after the estate is open.

Why Would Someone Choose to Opt Out of an Inheritance?

There are a number of legitimate reasons someone might choose to walk away from a will—either before or after someone’s death. While it may seem counterintuitive, it’s not always about rejecting the person or the money. It’s often about protecting your own wellbeing, simplifying legal involvement, or avoiding unintended consequences.

1. To Avoid Family Conflict

Probate can dredge up deep family tensions. If someone knows a fight is likely to break out—or if they want no part of a power struggle—they may prefer to bow out early.

2. To Preserve Emotional Boundaries

Just like Brooke Hogan reportedly felt that being involved would make her complicit in dynamics she didn’t trust, others may feel that accepting an inheritance means engaging with people or values they no longer align with.

3. To Maintain Financial Independence

Some people don’t want to be seen as dependent on family wealth. In some cases, it’s about standing on your own. In others, it’s a way of setting a precedent for future generations.

4. To Avoid Public or Legal Scrutiny

When a public figure dies, or when the estate is large and likely to draw attention, some heirs may step back to avoid media, litigation, or pressure from outsiders.

5. For Tax or Benefits Strategy

Disclaiming an inheritance can sometimes help a surviving spouse or child reduce estate tax liability or maintain eligibility for programs like Medicaid or SSI. A qualified attorney can walk you through this.

Estate Planning Considerations: What If You’re the One Making the Will?

If you’re the testator—creating or updating your will—there may come a time when a loved one asks to be removed. Maybe it’s for peace of mind, like Brooke. Maybe it’s part of a broader financial plan. Either way, these conversations should be handled carefully, with empathy, transparency, and legal follow-through.

In Nebraska, a valid will revision must:

• Be made by a competent adult (age 18 or older)

• Be in writing

• Be signed by the testator

• Be witnessed by at least two individuals who aren’t beneficiaries

A skilled estate planning attorney can ensure that any changes are valid and that your broader estate plan remains consistent across all documents, including beneficiary designations, trusts, and powers of attorney.

FAQ: Removal from a Will, Disclaimers, and Nebraska Law

Can I legally ask to be removed from a will?

Yes, but only the testator can revise the will. You can request that they remove you, but they must take the legal steps to make it happen.

What if the person has already passed away?

You may be able to disclaim the inheritance, but it must be done within the statutory deadline and following Nebraska’s legal requirements.

Is disclaiming the same as being removed?

No. Disclaiming is a legal process that happens after death. Being removed is a proactive choice made while the testator is still alive.

Will disclaiming inheritance in Nebraska reduce my taxes?

Possibly. It may help shift assets to beneficiaries with lower inheritance tax rates, especially under Nebraska’s unique tax structure. Talk to an attorney or tax advisor.

If I ask to be removed, can I contest the will later?

Unlikely. A voluntary removal severely weakens any future claim. You’re essentially saying: I don’t want to be involved.

Final Thoughts: Sometimes, Walking Away Is the Responsible Choice

Brooke Hogan’s decision to be removed from her father’s will wasn’t a rejection—it was a boundary. In a world where inheritance is often viewed as the ultimate sign of connection or approval, her story reminds us that peace of mind, emotional clarity, and self-protection can be just as important.

Estate planning is deeply personal. If you’re creating a will in Nebraska, thinking about revising one, or wondering whether disclaiming an inheritance is the right choice, the key is working with an attorney who can walk you through the options without judgment or pressure.

At Zachary W. Anderson Law, we help Nebraskans build estate plans that protect more than just money. We help protect relationships, boundaries, and peace of mind.