If a parent doesn’t designate at least $1.00 for each living child, can they contest their parent’s Will?
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If a parent doesn’t designate at least $1.00 for each living child, can they contest their parent’s Will?
Asked on May 22, 2014 under Estate Planning, Tennessee
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 9 years ago | Contributor
I am assuming that what has happened is that a child was not mentioned in the Will. Understand that in Tennessee you can exclude your child from inheriting in your estate but you need to do so in a certain manner. By not mentioning a child at all there becomes an inference that he may not have been of sound mind to make the Will. There is an assumption that a Testator knowns "the object of their bounty" or who has a legal right to inherit their estate. If that person is omitted from mention then there could be a valid challenge to the Will. Leaving a dollar is a way to say "I know who the objects of my bounty are and I am only leaving them this much of my estate." Seek help. Good luck.
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