Can you leave a child out of your will, and if so, how do you do it without creating a family war later? In this segment, Ken and Jeremy break down the practical reality behind disinheriting a child, why communication matters, and what can trigger contestation after you are gone. They also explain why some families use trusts instead of relying only on a will, and why state rules can change the strategy.
If you are reviewing your estate plan or thinking about changes, this is a must watch before you update beneficiaries, rewrite documents, or make an emotional decision you may regret later.
Explore more retirement and planning resources at rpoa.com.
00:00 Why communication matters before you make changes
01:05 A real example of how not to handle it
02:05 Is it legal to disinherit a child
03:05 The big risk: contestation and court fights
04:05 How to reduce ambiguity if you do it
05:15 Why a trust can be harder to contest than a will alone
06:35 State law issues and forced heirship
07:55 Emotional fallout: guilt, conflict, and family dynamics
09:20 How to frame the conversation so it is clear, not a debate
10:40 The goal: avoid surprises and prevent a blowup later
12:05 Wrap up and next steps in the series
RPOA Advisors, Inc. (d/b/a Retirement Planners of America) (“RPOA”) is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration as an investment adviser is not an endorsement by securities regulators and does not imply that RPOA has attained a certain level of skill or training.
This podcast has been prepared for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. RPOA does not provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your own tax and legal advisors before engaging in any transaction or strategy.
Opinions expressed are those of RPOA as of the date of publication and are subject to change. Investing involves risks, including possible loss of principal. Diversification and asset allocation do not guarantee a profit, nor do they eliminate the risk of loss. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
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