Elective Share

Can my spouse completely cut me out of their will?

In most states, no - elective share laws protect surviving spouses from being completely disinherited. These laws allow you to claim a portion of your deceased spouse's estate (typically one-third to one-half) even if their will leaves you nothing. However, the specific percentage and rules vary significantly by state, and some states like Georgia have different protections. You typically must file a claim within a specific timeframe after your spouse's death to exercise this right.