Hulk Hogan's family may have to wrestle over his $25 million estate. He leaves behind a new wife, estranged daughter, and other family members that could result in a family feud.
Terry Gene Bollea began his professional wrestling career in the 1980s under the name “Hulk Hogan.” He first gained notoriety with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. Later, he became a celebrity, starring in movies such as Rocky III, No Holds Barred, and Suburban Commando. He also had his own television series, Hogan Knows Best. He recently ran several businesses in Clearwater, Florida, such as Hogan’s Beach Shop, Hogan’s Hangout, and Real American Beer.
Hogan died on July 24, 2025, from cardiac arrest.
The Legal Battle Begins
Legal experts believe that due to the wrestler’s significant net worth, the Florida resident most likely had a comprehensive estate plan including a will and a trust. Property placed in a trust does not go through probate and is distributed to the trust’s beneficiaries according to the trust’s terms. Now, there are questions of who the trust’s beneficiaries are and when Hogan last updated his trust.
In one corner, you have Hulk Hogan’s wife of two years, Sky Daily. In the other, there is Hogan’s estranged daughter, Brooke Hogan. He also has a son, Nick Hogan. Both Brooke and Nick are children from a previous marriage to Linda Hogan. There are several scenarios of how his estate may be finally distributed.
The Estranged Daughter
If Hogan provided for his children in his will or trust, they can inherit according to the terms of the document. Children can inherit from their parents regardless of their relationship if they are named in a will or under state intestacy laws if there is no will. If Brooke was named as a beneficiary in his will or trust, she could inherit even if they weren’t on the best terms.
If Hogan left his daughter out of his will or trust, she can contest the will as an “interested person.” An interested person is an heir who would usually inherit under a will or state intestacy laws. Omitted heirs can challenge a will.
However, due to their estrangement, if Hogan specifically disinherited her by name, she would not automatically inherit his estate. An adult child does not have a right to inherit their parent’s estate. She still can contest the will or trust under claims of undue influence, lack of mental capacity, mistake, or improper execution. Such a challenge to a will can take several months to years in court.
According to TMZ, Brooke made a request to his financial advisor to be removed from Hogan’s will. However, only a testator, the one making the will, can amend a will. If she receives a bequest from Hogan’s estate, she has the option of disclaiming her inheritance.
The Son
If Hogan specifically disinherited his daughter and gave her share of his estate to his son, Nick would inherit more. Also, Nick and the WWE star were partners in Real American Beer, although the company's future is uncertain due to a lawsuit. Hopefully, Hogan had a business succession strategy to keep his various businesses running.
The New Wife
If Hogan updated his estate plan to add his wife, she can inherit under the terms. However, if Hogan did not update his estate plan to include his new wife, she still may get a sizable portion of his estate.
Under Florida law, there is a right for a spouse to claim an “elective share” in their deceased spouse’s estate, no matter what is provided in a will or trust. This law prevents someone from effectively disinheriting their spouse, leaving them nothing. In Florida, the spousal elective share that a surviving spouse can claim is 30% of the estate.
However, a spouse may waive their right to an elective share in Florida marital agreements. This could occur if a spouse has significant assets and does not want a part of the decedent’s estate. For example, a couple enters into a second marriage for both. Each spouse waives their right to an elective share in a premarital agreement so their estate can go to their heirs, such as their children from a previous marriage.
The Other Ex-Wives
Sky Daily is Hogan’s third wife. He was previously married to Linda Hogan from 1983 to 2009 and Jennifer McDaniel from 2010 to 2021. Generally, ex-spouses do not inherit from their former spouse’s estate unless the deceased spouse makes a provision for them in their will or trust.
The Trust
A trust is only effective when property is transferred into the trust. If there are assets outside of the trust, those assets must go through probate. So, in the unlikely event that Hogan did not put property in his trust, the probate court would follow the terms of his will for asset distribution.
Certainly, following Hulk Hogan’s death, the lawyers are getting ready to rumble.
Estate Planning Is Important
Families are complicated, especially if there are second or third marriages. That is why it is essential to put an estate plan in place.
If you have significant assets, it is wise to seek legal advice before creating a will, trust, and other estate planning documents, such as a power of attorney, health care directive, and living will.
Related Resources:
- Create Your Own Estate Planning Documents (DIY Estate Planning Forms)
- Estate Planning (FindLaw’s Learn About the Law)
- Find an Estate Planning Lawyer Near You (FindLaw’s Lawyer Directory)
