Disinherit Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Disinherit, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Disinherit?

v. Intentionally guaranteeing that a person who normally would inherit upon a party’s death does not receive an inheritance. Provisions in a will or a codicil to a will state who is disinherited and is not to receive anything. If a will ignores or does not mention a child, he/she may become a “pretermitted heir” and may still qualify for an inheritance. Spouses can be disinherited only to the degree that the law of states allow. Challengers to a will’s validity can also by disinherited through a “in terrorism” clause which may state “I leave anyone who challenges this will or any part of it one dollar.”