Hulk Hogan’s Estate: Renouncing Inheritance & Avoiding Battles
Attorney Haley Matson
Hulk Hogan was an iconic figure in American pop culture, and his passing in late July of 2025 brought multiple issues to the forefront of the news. One of these issues was regarding his daughter, Brooke, who had asked to be removed from his will.
Although it may be difficult to imagine why someone would want to remove themselves from their parents’ will, there are several logical reasons to take this action and a few avenues to take if this is something that you would like to consider. However, you cannot “remove” yourself from someone’s estate planning documents by yourself.
Once you are named in someone’s documents, you will remain in those documents until you discuss with the family member, and they agree to edit the the documents and remove you, or until you formally renounce your position as executor, trustee, or beneficiary.
How to Renounce Your Position as Executor or Trustee and Disclaim Your Inheritance
Renouncing yourself as executor is not difficult with the help of an estate planning attorney. The process consists of a notarized document being furnished to the probate court to officially allow someone else to hold the position of executor. This is not a rare situation, as many people do not ultimately want the responsibility. If you have already opened the probate estate, then you will need to file a final accounting and pass off the assets to the next executor.
Renouncing yourself as trustee is very similar. Depending on the type of trust, you will need a notarized letter of resignation or renunciation sent to all beneficiaries and the successor trustee, if they are listed. Many renunciations include a statement that you will be willing to help transition the successor into your role. If the trust holds real estate, you may need to file a change of trustee form, which an estate planning attorney can also help with.
As a beneficiary, you can “disclaim” any inheritance that you would’ve received. This must be done via a notarized letter and document, stating exactly who you are, who the person you are inheriting from is, what the property is that you are disclaiming, and it must be signed. In North Carolina, you may disclaim all or part of your inheritance. It must be explicitly stated in the document which parts you are disclaiming. Once you disclaim, you cannot “reclaim” the inheritance – It will be gone for good. This is a very final decision and must be made with care.
Why Would You Want to Renounce Your Position or Disclaim Inheritance?
There are a few reasons why you may want to remove yourself from someone else’s estate plan.
First, costly and time consuming estate battles can be a valid reason to want to remove yourself from a family member’s trust. An “estate battle” is something like a challenge to a will or trust, a petition to remove the current executor or trustee, or other beneficiaries fighting over the disposition of the sale of property. For many, having a loved one pass away is stressful enough. It does not seem worth it to get into a lengthy battle with family over inheritance. Any of these actions can take thousands of dollars and months of time to resolve, and often, the path of least resistance.
Second, if you are not interested in being a trustee or executor, you may want to remove yourself. A family member or friend may name you as trustee or an executor in their estate planning documents. These are important positions that, at times, can be stressful. Not all estates are stressful, but if this is not a position you want to hold, then declining or renouncing is the best decision.
Third, if you no longer want to be associated with that person, then disclaiming your inheritance and renouncing your right to be executor or trustee will sever those ties completely. This is a “nuclear” option, but is valid and completely doable.
The Path Forward
Renouncing a role in an estate or disclaiming an inheritance is not a decision to take lightly, but it can be the right choice under certain circumstances. Whether to avoid costly disputes, sidestep unwanted responsibility, or simply distance yourself from difficult relationships, these legal tools give you the ability to step away. However, the process must be handled carefully and in accordance with state law, often with the guidance of an estate planning attorney. At the end of the day, planning ahead—and making sure your wishes are clear—can save you and your family stress, money, and conflict during an already difficult time.
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Attorney Haley Matson
Estate Planning & Elder Law Attorney
McIntyre Elder Law
Charlotte, NC
