No one really expects a tidy ending at the end of a famous life. Diane Keaton’s death in October 2025 at age 79 came as a shock to many: fans, colleagues and everyone who loved home movies. She left behind a long career, memorable roles and, yes, a considerable legacy. But what happens next? It’s tempting to answer, “His children understand” and leave it at that. The truth is a little more complicated and, honestly, more interesting.
Some quick facts before we dig in: Keaton reportedly had a net worth in the tens of millions, she adopted two children later in life, and she never married. These points count. They change the way things can be organized after a person dies. I don’t know all the details of his documents – who knows, unless you’re in the room with the lawyer? – but there are common paths that fields like his follow. And a Los Angeles lawyer, Tre Lovell, who spoke with Nicki Swift, laid out some likely scenarios. I’ll go through them, add some context, and point out the little wrinkles that often trip people up.
Also read: Chrissy Teigen speaks out in support of Meghan – and the internet is losing its mind
Trusts, Wills and Why “Simple” Isn’t Always Simple
Most people with considerable wealth – especially public figures – establish an estate plan. This often means a trust, sometimes accompanied by a will. A trust can be a way to say, “Do this, not that,” without ceding control to a court. It can protect privacy, avoid probate (which is a slow, public, and sometimes expensive process), and ensure that assets are distributed as the person wishes.
If Keaton had set up a trust, the main advantages would be simple: his wishes regarding property, money, and even the management of funds for the children, would be more likely to be followed quickly and privately. A trust can also limit legal fees and delays that occur in probate court. So yes, if a trust exists, things generally go more smoothly. But it’s not dramatic or flashy; it’s practical and, in my opinion, the sort of thing someone who has worked in a detail-oriented industry for so long would probably have done.
Intestate succession — when there is no plan
Now, if there was no will or trust, state law takes over. In California, for example, the rules of intestate succession decide who inherits and how much. Adoption is important here: adopted children are generally treated the same as biological children when it comes to inheritance. Keaton’s children – Dexter and Duke – would therefore most likely be his heirs under the law. This is the basic safety net. But even this result is not without complications.
Assets that bypass heritage
Everything a person owns is not part of the “estate” that the court divides. Some things have named beneficiaries: life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and some pensions; others may be jointly owned property. These assets generally go directly to the named person or surviving joint owner, outside of probate. So – say Keaton had a SAG pension with a beneficiary name on file, or life insurance naming his children – these would ignore the mechanics of the estate plan and go straight to the beneficiaries listed. This is why a title that simply says “children inherit everything” can be misleading. Many assets are governed by beneficiary designations, and these override what a will might say.
Also read: Discreet message from Sophie Trudeau: on letting go, love and what’s next
Debt, creditors and how much is actually left
Another problem: estates pay debts. Funeral expenses, unpaid bills, taxes, any liens secured on the property: These must be addressed before beneficiaries walk away with money or goods. In most celebrity cases, you always get a positive balance, but every estate is different. If debts exceeded assets, there would be nothing left to inherit. That’s unlikely here, given the reports, but it’s part of the legal calculus.
Beneficiaries vs heirs – drafted decisions
Axelle/bauer-griffin/Getty
Pictures
If Keaton left a will or trust that included beneficiaries — friends, charities, his children, whoever — those named people or entities usually get the items or money listed. It’s entirely possible that she left some assets specifically to a charity close to her heart or to a friend, or that she placed conditions on how the money will be used. Given how well known she was when it came to family and life choices, many people assume that her children would be protected in her documents. But human beings are complicated. Sometimes people make choices that surprise everyone. This is why the examination of real will or trust is decisive.
Little details that matter more than you think
Some of these details are mundane but important. Condominium deeds, beneficiary forms with old names or forgotten accounts in another state: any of these can change the situation. Additionally, the personal representative or trustee named in the documents has authority: he or she collects assets, pays bills, and distributes them as directed. It is important to choose a thoughtful and organized person. It’s boring, but that’s how estates are handled.
What it’s probably like for Keaton’s kids
Putting the pieces together: The most likely outcome is that Diane Keaton’s children will inherit a significant portion of her estate in one way or another. Whether it is a trust, a will, beneficiary forms or intestate succession, they are the natural beneficiaries. But expect there to be details: some properties might already be designated elsewhere, some of the money might go to charity, and some assets might be subject to taxes or debts first. And if there is a trust, they could receive funds according to the rules established by Keaton – perhaps immediate payments, perhaps staggered distributions, perhaps funds held for special purposes.
Also read: Ellen DeGeneres’ new look, her reactions and what she said about aging
Why it still matters
It’s not just celebrity gossip. It reminds us that planning – naming beneficiaries, updating documents, deciding who should be trustee – is how people shape the end of their story. Diane Keaton’s life was public in many ways, but like most of us, she probably wanted privacy and clarity for those she loved. Whether everything goes perfectly or there is a minor legal dispute, the important thing is: their wishes are respected as closely as possible, with the least amount of drama.