Disinherit Definition and Legal Meaning

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.”