August 27th, 2025. Well it’s time to add to my blog. Seems like the Covid ordeal put a damper on posting. This blog post is about disinheritance actions. I can say very honestly that this subject is one of the most controversial consulting areas in my legal documents practice. When I am hired to draft legal documents in estate planning that limit or completely disinherit a child or grandchild, my heart starts beating faster. I have had to do it a lot over my long career and it never sets well with me. However, the dictate to create terms of disinheritance for offspring does have value in the estate planning arena.

Perhaps, more and more children, grandchildren in the past few decades have gone against the wishes of their parents or grandparents and acted in ways, (including inactions as well) that did not please the estate client who after much deliberation, has come down to dictating this legal move to remind them, after the death, that there was a cost to pay for certain habits, actions, in-actions, harmfully spoken words in anger never recalled, abandonment of visiting, etc.

I hate to see the “hammer” come down this way after a client dies, but they are in charge at the time they draft and they have their reasons to restrict or eliminate certain beneficiaries, normally their own children, who they are unhappy about their lifestyle, habits, that have hurt the estate owner/s. So it is a way to remind after a death, the true cost of their actions. (or inactions) If this is something you are exploring, I have a lot of experience in drafting legal documents (Wills, Trusts) that will help carry out your wishes to disinherit someone. Smart attorneys can contest the provisions and try to prove a “senior” was not at full mental capacity when the disinheritance clauses were drafted. Or try to prove in a formal “contest” court filing they simply forgot them.

Just know, as much as I hate doing these, I have studied for years the best terms to draft so that the decision does not get amended by a Judge in a formal court contest filing. Since 2009, Arizona trust code law is pretty liberal in this area compared to other states (such as my home state of Iowa who will let a Judge disinherit you if you even get mad at a Executor or Trustee), as it takes a formal “contest” court procedure here in Arizona and an extremely clear and egregious situation in order to lose your share of an estate you were named a beneficiary (heir) of.

I close in saying the wording in Wills and Trusts will normally in most states contain language that you are to be treated as if you (and perhaps all of your offspring) are to be treated as if you pre-deceased the descendent. I tell clients that in honest frank language, (without practicing law of course), that this pretty well means you are “dead” to the parent who disinherited you and thus, not able to get any share. Leaving other siblings to redivide the money and assets amongst themselves right in front of your eyes. (legally dead, personally very much alive).

A free 15 minute conference by Zoom or in person can discuss the general legal information pertaining to drafting such a provision in your Will or Trust with me. Call me at 1-800-782-2806 or email me at mdanderson@webfsi.com

I hope and pray this blog post does not apply to you!

M.D. Anderson

Thankfulness

It’s not always easy to be thankful. Not when the car transmission just went out, the 401-k dropped 15% in one week, or when you are told there is a spot on your lung they need to take a closer look at.

I too have had occasions to forsake my Christian beliefs and not be thankful when things go wrong. But as a Christian, I have a “new” nature to remind me I am only a “Stewart” for a Savior (and God) that owns everything there is in this world, or any other beyond this world.

As we go into the holiday season, I want to reflect on a great year of business from FSI clients but also set the record straight that my position, my knowledge, and any wealth I possess of any kind is a gift from God. Getting new clients is also viewed as a gift from God and has been for many, many years. Some wonder how I stay up and master multiple financial occupations, even now as I grow older (and wiser?). Short answer. Gift from God.

Don’t forget to share your faith, your talents and a little bit of extra money if you have it on others this holiday season. Maybe someone is down and it will be YOU that helps them pick up the pieces of a shattered life, marriage, etc. — and give them encouragement. Or, maybe it will be you that fixes their car, buys the groceries they may need for a while until they get back on their feet.

That’s what this season is about. Giving, not receiving for those of us with abundant wealth or health, or talents. (whatever you feel thankful for) Personally, I am thankful for a wonderful, beautiful wife and family and long term business God has blessed over and over.

I close by asking you to review these 30 messages of thankfulness:

https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/inspiring-quotes/30-christian-quotes-about-thankfulness.html

M.D. Anderson

Client StoriesMichael AndersonNovember 20, 2018Financial Strategies, Inc.Comment

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Thankfulness

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