Sideways Disinheritance

The Hidden Threat to Your Family’s Inheritance

Most people assume that when they pass away, everything they own will eventually make its way to their children or chosen beneficiaries. But this isn’t always how things work out, particularly in modern families with second marriages, stepchildren, and changing relationships.

A common risk, often overlooked, is sideways disinheritance.

What is sideways disinheritance?

Sideways disinheritance happens when your assets unintentionally pass outside your bloodline, often to a new spouse’s family or stepchildren, leaving your own children or grandchildren with little or nothing.

Here’s a simple example:

• John dies and leaves everything to his wife, Sarah.

• Sarah later remarries and then passes away.

• Her new husband inherits her estate, and when he dies, he leaves it to his children.

  
  

John and Sarah’s children end up disinherited, not by intent, but by how the assets were passed on.

When does this happen?

Sideways disinheritance typically arises when:

• Everything is left outright to a spouse or partner

• There are no protective trusts in place

• There are children from previous relationships

• A beneficiary remarries or changes their Will

How can you prevent it?

The good news is that this risk is preventable, with the right estate planning.

Tools such as Flexible Life Interest Trusts or Discretionary Trusts can allow your partner to benefit from your estate during their lifetime, while ensuring the capital ultimately passes to your chosen beneficiaries.

Letters of wishes can guide trustees, giving you greater influence long after you’ve gone.

Protect your bloodline, protect your legacy

Your Will isn’t just a set of instructions, it’s a safeguard for your family’s future.

Properly structured, it ensures your assets go where you want them to, no matter what the future holds.

If sideways disinheritance is something you’d like to avoid, now is the time to act.

Book your free estate planning review today.

Let’s make sure your loved ones are protected — now and always.