How to Tell a Family Member That They are Not in Your Will

Sometimes, leaving a family member out of your will is the best option. While making this choice is often difficult, telling your family member is even more challenging. How do you tell your son that they will inherit nothing? How do you let your spouse know that they will not receive a single penny? Obviously, this requires a certain degree of tact and subtlety. It is all too easy to approach this in the wrong way, causing unnecessary emotional reactions and rifts within the family.

 

 

If you have questions about your will, you might want to consult with a qualified, experienced estate planning attorney in New Jersey. Our legal professionals understand that creating a will can be stressful, and we can provide effective legal advice. With a greater understanding of how the estate planning process works, it may be easier to approach this difficult situation with greater confidence and efficiency.

You Do Not Have to Tell Them

First, consider the possibility of not telling them at all. You are under no legal obligation to do so, and your family member will find out the truth after you pass away anyway. Sure, this might cause them to become emotional for a time, but you will not be around to experience this awkwardness and tension. They will simply have to accept your decision, whether they like it or not.

Give it to Them Straight 

You might not want to beat around the bush when telling your family member that they have been disinherited. In many cases, this will only cause further frustration for them. Sometimes, individuals appreciate a straightforward approach when hearing bad news. If it becomes too drawn out, this might be akin to “death by a thousand wounds.” Sometimes, it is best to simply look your child in the eye and say, “Johnny, you are not in my will.”

Explain Your Reasoning

If you think that a straightforward approach may be too harsh, consider providing more details about your reasoning. Perhaps you chose to donate your estate to charity after your passing. There is not much someone can say in response to this, as it is your choice to do something altruistic with your estate plan. Or perhaps you believe that your family member would quickly squander the money you leave to them. Maybe they have a drug problem, or perhaps they are addicted to gambling.

You can point out these flaws and tell your family members that you cannot trust them with the money. With any luck, your child will change their ways in an effort to win back your trust. Of course, you can still leave them out of your will even if they become more trustworthy.

Enlist the Help of a Qualified Estate Planning Attorney Today

 If you have been searching for a qualified, experienced estate planning attorney in New Jersey, look no further than Giro, LLP, Attorneys at Law. Over the years, we have helped many individuals in New Jersey approach their estate plans with a sense of dignity, efficiency, and confidence. Leaving family members out of your will is never easy, but sometimes it is the right move. Reach out and book your consultation today, and we can explain how you can tackle this delicate situation in the best way possible.