What Knives Out Teaches Us About Wills, Disinheritance, and Contesting an Estate

I’ll admit it: I’m a sucker for a classic whodunit.

That’s why I enjoy the Knives Out movies. The clever storytelling, the layered characters, the slow unraveling of secrets. It’s a modern take on an old-school mystery that feels both stylish and satisfying. But beyond the twists and turns, Knives Out also centers on something far less fictional than the murder mystery itself: a Will.

At its core, Knives Out isn’t just about who did it. It’s about what happens when estate planning collides with family dynamics, money, and expectations. And while most estates don’t involve a famous detective or a dramatic reading of a will, the legal issues raised in the film are surprisingly realistic.

The Power of a Will (and the Most Recent One Wins)

In Knives Out, the entire plot is set in motion by the discovery that novelist Harlan Thrombey updated his Will shortly before his death. That single document changes everything.

This highlights one of the most important estate planning principles: the most recent valid Will controls.

You can update your Will as your life, relationships, and priorities change. Earlier versions don’t matter once a newer, properly executed Will exists. That’s why regular estate plan reviews are so important, especially after major life events like marriages, divorces, births, deaths, or changes in financial circumstances.

Disinheritance in Ohio: Yes, It’s Usually Legal

One of the biggest shocks in Knives Out is that Harlan disinherits his adult children and grandchildren entirely, leaving his estate to someone outside the family. As dramatic as this feels, it is often legally allowed, including in Ohio.

Under Ohio law:

• You generally can disinherit adult children

• You may leave your estate to a non-family member

• Ohio courts respect a person’s right to decide how their assets are distributed, as long as the Will is properly executed

However, Ohio does provide protections for surviving spouses. A spouse cannot be completely disinherited without their consent and may have the right to elect against the Will to receive a statutory share of the estate.

Because of this, disinheritance in Ohio must be handled carefully. Clear language, proper execution, and thoughtful planning are essential to reduce the risk of confusion or legal challenges. When disinheritance is intentional, it is often wise to state that intention explicitly so there is no ambiguity about whether someone was accidentally left out.

Capacity Matters, Especially Later in Life

When a Will drastically changes late in someone’s life, questions tend to follow. In the movie, family members quickly argue that Harlan may not have been mentally competent when he changed his Will.

This mirrors real-world estate disputes.

To make a valid Will, a person must generally:

• Understand what they own

• Know who their natural heirs are

• Understand that they’re creating a Will and what it does

Estate plans created later in life often benefit from additional safeguards, such as attorney documentation, witness statements to help establish capacity if the Will is later challenged.

Undue Influence: A Common Ground for Will Contests

Another accusation raised in Knives Out is undue influence, the idea that someone pressured or manipulated Harlan into changing his Will.

Undue influence is one of the most common reasons wills are contested in real life. Courts look at factors like:

• The vulnerability of the person making the Will

• The relationship between the influencer and the testator

• Whether the influencer benefited from the changes

• Whether the Will-maker had independent legal advice

This is why estate planning attorneys insist on meeting privately with their clients. Independence protects both the client and the validity of the plan.

Contesting a Will Is Costly, Emotionally and Financially

In the film, the family immediately begins exploring legal challenges. The tension escalates, relationships deteriorate, and money becomes the central focus.

That part is painfully accurate.

Will contests often lead to:

• Lengthy court battles

• High legal fees

• Delayed distributions

• Permanent family rifts

Even when a challenge fails, the estate itself often pays the price.

The Role of the Estate Planning Attorney

Harlan’s attorney plays a quiet but critical role, safeguarding the Will, ensuring proper execution, and maintaining confidentiality.

This underscores an important reality: an estate planning attorney’s duty is to the client, not the family.

A well-prepared attorney helps ensure that:

• Legal formalities are followed

• The client’s intent is documented

• The estate plan can withstand scrutiny

A Will Is More Than a Legal Document

Perhaps the most compelling lesson from Knives Out is that a Will is often a final statement of values.

Harlan’s choices weren’t accidental. His estate plan reflected accountability, intention, and consequence. In real life, wills often do the same, whether intentionally or not.

That’s why thoughtful estate planning isn’t just about assets. It’s about clarity, communication, and legacy.

Final Takeaway

Most of us won’t leave behind a mystery worthy of a movie franchise, but we will leave behind legal documents that affect the people we care about.

Knives Out is entertaining because it’s dramatic. Real-life estate planning works best when it isn’t.

Clear planning, proper execution, and good advice can help ensure your story ends with clarity, not conflict.