Diane Keaton's Fortune: Lawyer Tells Us What Could Happen To All Her Money

Hollywood lost an icon when Diane Keaton passed away in October 2025 at the age of 79. Known to film lovers for her roles in "The Godfather" trilogy, "Annie Hall," and "The First Wives Club," Keaton died in her California home after reportedly suffering complications from pneumonia, according to a statement released by her family. She leaves behind two kids, Dexter and Duke, whom she adopted later in life (Keaton never married). In the wake of her shocking death, questions have surfaced as to who will inherit Keaton's million-dollar estate. The obvious answer would be her children. However, lawyer Tre Lovell said it might not be that simple.

Speaking exclusively with Nicki Swift, the Los Angeles attorney said it's likely that Keaton had her affairs in order before she passed away. He added that she'd likely set up a trust to make sure that her assets and properties were divided according to her wishes. It was said that Keaton had accumulated a net worth of $100 million at the time of her death. "A trust also keeps her estate out of probate, saving money in attorneys' fees and time to go through the probate court," Lovell also noted. However, "In the event that she did not have an estate plan in effect (i.e. a trust or will), then laws of intestate succession will take effect and distribute her estate through a pre-set statutory framework to be determined in probate court." But what exactly could possibly happen to all her money? Fortunately, he also provided some clarity on that.

The likelihood of Diane Keaton's children inheriting her million-dollar fortune mainly depends on whether or not she chose to include them in her estate plan. According to Tre Lovell, if she didn't set up a will or trust prior to her passing, then Daisy and Duke are most likely entitled to inherit her assets and properties in accordance with the California law. But even then, there are a few restrictions. "(1) They won't automatically inherit any assets that are held outside of the estate that have separate beneficiaries designated to receive (i.e. life insurance policies, retirement assets (SAG pension), property held in joint tenancy, etc.)," said the attorney. "(2) If they don't qualify as 'heirs' under California law (here, however, reports are that the kids are adopted, thus they should qualify); or (3) If, for some reason, the debts exceed the assets of an estate and there is nothing to inherit, which does not seem to be the case here."

Lastly, in the event that her kids aren't included in Keaton's will or trust, then the estate should go to the beneficiaries listed in those documents. However, considering how close she was to her children, there's a very slim chance that Keaton would exclude them entirely from her estate plan. Speaking of her assets, see also: Where did Diane Keaton live and how big were her houses?