Disinheriting an adult child or other person who expects to inherit something from you is a decision to make with care.
It’s also something that you may want to discuss directly with the person you are disinheriting. Unless the reason for the disinheritance is obvious – such as happens when parents and relatives are estranged – the lack of information or communication about your decision can lead to confusion, suspicion, guilt and legal conflicts between your heirs.
You can help people understand your thinking
If you explain why you intend to disinherit someone, it allows them to (hopefully) understand why you made that choice. Even if they don’t agree, it can provide clarity and save them from wondering what might have prompted your decision.
It also gives you a chance to change your mind if the person in question provides you with new information. Maybe a conversation about the topic with someone who has become estranged will lead to a reconciliation. Maybe you come to realize they did not do what you thought they had done or they had a valid reason to do it at the time. Or, maybe they just make changes going forward that cause you to rethink your plans.
Remember, someone having upset you is not the only reason for disinheritance. Some people choose to disinherit a person because they think they don’t need the money. The reality, however, might be that they do actually have financial needs that are not being met and have just been putting up a false front of success (perhaps for your benefit or fear of disappointing you).
Will contests can be problematic for all, and a person suddenly discovering they have been disinherited when they expect otherwise is a common reason for filing one. Having a discussion now may avert such problems later. If you are sure you wish to go ahead, be sure to learn more about the best ways to make the disinheritance clear in your will as you proceed with your estate plans.