When Disinheritance Comes Up<\/p>\n
In most cases, parents are legally allowed to leave a child out of their will or trust, with some exceptions for minor children or those with disabilities.<\/p>\n
Levy says clients approach him for a variety of reasons, including:<\/p>\n
Ongoing financial dependence of adult children<\/p>\n
Unresolved family conflictsFailure to repay loansCriminal or legal issuesLack of involvement or support in a parent\u2019s life<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery family situation is unique,\u201d Levy said. \u201cThere are many reasons someone may make this decision.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"What](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/307b5616-7c5f-4ba9-9ad7-3a6a7ab8bb04-JohnLevyDisinheriting2FS.png\"\/)
<\/p>\n
What to Know About Disinheriting a Child: Legal Considerations for Estate Planning<\/p>\n
Balancing Fairness and Need<\/p>\n
In some cases, disinheritance isn\u2019t about conflict, but about fairness.<\/p>\n
Levy notes that some parents choose to distribute assets based on need \u2014 especially if one child is financially secure while others require more support.<\/p>\n
Others may feel disconnected from a child who has not maintained a relationship or provided care later in life.<\/p>\n
Why Proper Documentation Matters<\/p>\n
If a parent decides to disinherit a child, it must be done carefully and legally.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis isn\u2019t something you can do with a verbal promise or a note,\u201d Levy said. \u201cIt needs to be clearly outlined in a properly executed will or trust.\u201d<\/p>\n
Without formal documentation, the decision could be challenged or misinterpreted.<\/p>\n
One of the most common mistakes in estate planning is failing to align all financial accounts with the intended plan.<\/p>\n
Even if a child is excluded from a will, they could still receive assets if they are listed as a beneficiary on:<\/p>\n
Life insurance policiesBank accountsInvestment accounts\u201cIf they\u2019re named as a beneficiary, they may still receive those funds \u2014 regardless of what the will says,\u201d Levy explained.![\"What](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/e9a30dc2-fc2a-4c42-859c-a9cd1120517c-JohnLevyDisinheriting6FS.png\"\/)
<\/p>\n
What to Know About Disinheriting a Child: Legal Considerations for Estate Planning<\/p>\n
Planning Ahead<\/p>\n
Levy encourages individuals to take a thoughtful, comprehensive approach to estate planning, especially when making complex decisions.<\/p>\n
Working with an attorney can help ensure that documents are clear, legally sound, and aligned with a person\u2019s wishes.<\/p>\n
Getting Started with John Levy<\/p>\n
Levy offers consultations to help individuals understand their options and create estate plans tailored to their needs.<\/p>\n
While conversations about inheritance can be difficult, experts say having a plan in place can provide clarity and peace of mind for both individuals and their families.<\/p>\n
![\"John](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/c2a3d3ef-7a32-44f1-9dab-12eed18255aa-JohnLevyLawFS.png\"\/)
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