In Ohio, can a spouse be disinherited?

In Ohio, a spouse may not be completely disinherited due to the state's legal framework regarding spousal rights. Under Ohio law, a surviving spouse has certain protections that ensure they receive a portion of the deceased spouse's estate, regardless of the provisions made in a will. This includes the right to elect against the will and receive a portion of the estate, typically one-third if there are children, or one-half if there are no children.

This legal principle is rooted in the assumption that both spouses contribute to a marriage and have a vested interest in each other's financial well-being. Therefore, even if a will expresses an intent to disinherit a spouse, the surviving spouse can assert their legal rights to a share of the estate, thereby making disinheritance practically impossible in Ohio.