Sheppard Law Firm - June 2025

Severed Succession The Divide of Disinheritance

Not all family portraits capture the truth behind the smiles. As estate planning professionals, we’re aware that family dynamics often evolve. Divorces, separations, remarriages, and disputes can drastically alter how a person’s legacy is preserved upon passing. In some cases, relationships change to the point where a member is entirely disinherited from a will. While the emotional impact of this move can be dramatic, the logistics involved in seeing it through on paper can be equally demanding. Here are two things to consider when it comes time to cut the cord formally. Echoes of Estrangement Disinheritance is rarely an overnight

from your plan isn’t enough to preserve your wishes and protect your estate from legal challenges from that estranged individual. If the estranged person isn’t explicitly mentioned in your estate plan as being disinherited, that family member may legally pursue receipt of what they believe are their entitled assets. Additionally, an estrangement that occurs after your estate plan is completed will lead to that individual receiving the assets you assigned them before

you severed communication. The Weight of Written Words

Of course, no estrangement or disinheritance can be addressed adequately in your legacy without an estate plan in place. If you pass

decision. In many situations, a person is cut off from family interactions long before they’re removed from consideration in an estate plan. When an adult child or other family member is erased from the picture — whether by their own doing or someone else’s — it’s common for the person drafting an estate plan to exclude the estranged family

away without a will, the estranged spouse or child will likely be entitled to a portion of your estate. Suppose relations within your family have broken down to the point where someone should not receive your assets. In that case, it is critical to work with an experienced attorney who can assist you in properly specifying this restriction in your documentation.

Please contact us if you need to update your estate plan to specify your wishes in light of an estrangement or disinheritance.

While not all families experience stability, your legacy plans can still remain strong.

member from being named in their plan and receiving assets. However, simply deciding to omit someone

T

TAKE A BREAK!

INGREDIENTS

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1 1/2 cups light brown sugar

3 large garlic cloves, chopped

1 cup soy sauce

4 lbs boneless round steak, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices Bamboo skewers soaked in water

1/2 cup pineapple juice (optional)

1/2 cup water

1/4 cup vegetable oil

DIRECTIONS 1. In a large bowl, whisk brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, water, vegetable oil, and garlic together. Drop beef slices into the mixture and stir to coat. 2. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for 24 hours. 3. Remove beef from marinade, shaking to remove excess liquid. 4. Thread beef slices on skewers in a zig-zag pattern. 5. Preheat grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grate. 6. Cook beef skewers for about 3 minutes per side until the meat is cooked through.

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