What are the legal implications of disinheriting a child?

Full question:

What does the law say about not leaving anything to one of your children? Also, an original deed to a property has been lost/stolen. We have a certified copy. Can anything be done with the original deed that was lost/stolen?

  • Category: Real Property
  • Subcategory: Deeds
  • Date:
  • State: Texas

Answer:

Disinheriting a child is generally permissible under U.S. law, but it must be done explicitly in a will or trust. If you do not mention a child in your estate plan, they may have legal grounds to contest the will, depending on state laws.

If the original deed to a property is lost or stolen, it’s advisable to file a police report to protect against potential fraud. You can use the certified copy of the deed for transactions or legal purposes, but consult a legal professional to ensure all necessary steps are taken to secure your property rights.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

When someone puts you on a deed, it means you are legally recognized as a co-owner of the property. This can grant you rights to the property, including the ability to sell or transfer your interest. However, it also means you may be responsible for any debts or obligations related to the property. It's important to understand the implications of being added to a deed before agreeing to it.