Merlino & Gonzalez - June 2021

‘Can I Disinherit My Adult Child?’

No matter why you’re choosing to disinherit the child, make sure to include some short notes that indicate your decision and certify your soundness of mind. DO NOT give a specific reason, however, because that reason may go away (e.g., a gambling problem that is now in abeyance). You should still leave a small bequest so that the individual cannot claim he/she was forgotten entirely, and you can also include a no-contest clause in your will, which, with some exceptions, means that any heir who legally contests the will receives no part of the estate. Just as difficult is the emotional aspect of disinheritance, which many feel is the “final nail” in the coffin of a relationship with a child. We’ve done many, and they are never pleasant — no matter how the parent may have felt going in, by the time it’s done, they can be left very fragile indeed. It’s not a good time to have just “any” attorney; you want ones you trust and feel comfortable around — something we understand completely.

Family estrangement is not nearly as rare as you may think. Throughout history, literature, mythology, and even textbooks have been filled with stories about children who become estranged from their parents. Though most people don’t discuss major tears in their own family fabric, a recent report from Scientific American found that 17% of young adults in their study were estranged from an immediate family member, often a parent. It’s not uncommon for parents who find themselves in this situation to desire to disinherit the son or daughter who is estranged from them. Disinheriting a child is a common reason for a will being contested, a process that can be prolonged and expensive. That’s why it is essential to contact an experienced, highly skilled estate planning attorney if you want to protect your assets for your designated beneficiaries and prevent unpleasant arguments among family members after your death.

You should be aware that nowhere in the U.S. is it legal to disinherit a minor child.

CLASSIC VEGAN DOUGHNUTS MICHELE’S RECIPE CORNER

... continued from Cover

• Custom Bedding • Bathrooms • Kitchen Finishes • Unique Basements • And More ...

Inspired by Tasty.co

INGREDIENTS

Lately, we’ve modified our consultation process due to COVID-19 and can work remotely. That’s something a small, personal, flexible partnership like ours is uniquely suited to deal with. Whether it’s helping your contractor get materials online or making sure things are in stock for delivery, we can make your decorating process as easy as possible. If you’re reading this newsletter, odds are good that you may need a hand getting a new home ready to move into or even an old home ready to sell. We want your spaces to feel like home, truly, and we want to do it with a Touch of Decor. If you’re interested in seeing the work we’ve done (both big and small) or in making your condo, house, or apartment a home that is uniquely yours, please check us out on Instagram @touch_of_ decor. You can also call 718-614-8912 to reach us directly. – Cathy DiGeorgio

• 1/2 cup baker’s sugar, divided • 1 tsp baking powder • 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 cup vegan margarine • 1/2 cup soy milk • 2 tbsp sunflower oil, plus more for frying • 2 cups plain flour

DIRECTIONS

1. In a small pot, melt margarine over medium heat. 2. Once melted, stir in soy milk and sunflower oil. Once combined, take off heat and set aside. 3. In a large bowl, combine flour, 1/4 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt. Once mixed, combine with margarine mixture until thick. 4. Using your hands, roll dough into flat circles and press a hole through the center. 5. In a pan, heat more sunflower oil to at least 360 F and no more than 375 F. 6. Gently add doughnuts to the oil and fry for 3–5 minutes on each side. 7. Once fried, place doughnuts on paper towels to soak up excess oil. 8. Roll doughnuts in remaining sugar and enjoy!

3

718-698-2200

Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker