estrangement

In one sentence

A breakdown in relationship between family members, often relevant in inheritance or custody disputes.

Plain English

Estrangement describes a situation where family members have become distant or hostile and no longer maintain a close relationship. In legal contexts, courts consider estrangement when deciding matters like inheritance rights, custody arrangements, or whether someone should inherit under a will. The degree of estrangement—whether it's temporary disagreement or years of no contact—can affect legal outcomes. Courts may view long-term estrangement as evidence of a person's intent to exclude a family member from their estate.

Ad slot

Example

A father hasn't spoken to his adult son in 15 years due to a serious disagreement. When the father dies, the son challenges the will, claiming he should inherit. The court examines the estrangement to determine whether the father intentionally excluded his son or simply never updated his will.

Used in a sentence

“The judge considered the estrangement between the parents when deciding custody of the children.”

Related terms

Heir

A person legally entitled to inherit from someone who dies without a valid will, determined by state law.

Bequest

A gift of personal property left to someone in a will.

Mental Incapacity

Lacking the mental ability to understand a contract's nature, terms, or consequences.

Revocable Trust

A trust that the grantor can modify, amend, or terminate during their lifetime.

Stand Your Ground

A law allowing a person to use force, including deadly force, to defend themselves without a duty to retreat.

Castle Doctrine

A law stating that a person's home is their castle and they can use force to defend it without duty to retreat.

Expungement

A legal process that erases or seals a criminal conviction from your record.

Felony

A serious crime punishable by more than one year in prison or death.

This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney.