My Children No Longer Speak to Me: Do I Have the Right to Deprive Them of Their Inheritance?

Years of silence. Phone calls left unanswered. Conversations that were once full of laughter and shared stories now replaced with emptiness. A relationship that slowly erodes until all that remains is a hollow ache, one that gnaws quietly at the heart and cannot be easily named or understood.

For countless parents, this is a heartbreak both subtle and profound. After months—or even years—without contact, a difficult and sometimes bitter question begins to arise: “If my own children have severed ties with me, stopped speaking, and cut me out of their lives, do I have the right to cut them out of my inheritance?”

In France, this question is more complicated than it might first appear, blending emotional reality with the very structured framework of French inheritance law.

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What French Law Actually Permits

French inheritance law is built on one principle above all: certain heirs, most importantly children, cannot be completely disinherited under normal circumstances. The law automatically protects a portion of the estate for these individuals, regardless of personal conflicts or family disputes.

Specifically, the law safeguards:

Children, who are almost always protected

Spouses, depending on marital agreements and family structure

In some situations, even parents, particularly in certain cross-generational contexts

This protected portion is known as la réserve héréditaire, or the reserved portion. It is untouchable unless extraordinary circumstances exist.

The remainder of the estate, called la quotité disponible—the disposable portion—can be allocated freely. This means parents can leave it to friends, charities, siblings, or other children, recognizing that family bonds are not always determined by blood alone.

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Can a Parent Truly Disinherit a Child?

The short and clear answer: not simply because your child ignores you or refuses contact.

French law is particularly protective of children’s inheritance rights. Disinheritance is only possible in extremely serious cases, such as:

Attempted murder or acts of extreme violence against the parent

Severe physical or psychological abuse

Malicious false accusations made in court against the parent

Other serious crimes directed at the parent

Even when such grave circumstances exist, disinheritance is never automatic. The process is formal and legally demanding:

It must be explicitly stated in a valid, properly drafted will

It must be supported with evidence

It often requires judicial confirmation through legal proceedings

This high bar reflects the law’s view that the parent–child relationship, even when damaged, is foundational and worthy of protection.

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How to Shape Your Estate Legally While Respecting the Law

For parents who wish to make deliberate decisions about their estate—even in the face of conflict with children—there are legal tools and strategies to guide them:

Use the Disposable Portion Wisely
The quotité disponible can be freely allocated to anyone of your choosing. It allows you to reward meaningful relationships and honor people who have been present in your life without violating the law.

Leverage Life Insurance Policies
Life insurance policies are generally outside standard inheritance rules. This provides a flexible way to designate beneficiaries—children, friends, charities—without restriction.

Plan Ahead With a Notary
Consulting a notary ensures that your intentions are legally sound. They can assist with:

Lifetime gifts

Drafting a will that reflects your wishes

Structuring arrangements for family businesses or property

Minimizing the risk of disputes after your passing

Professional guidance can help align your estate planning with both your emotional needs and the legal framework, protecting your legacy while avoiding unnecessary conflict.

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When the Heart Meets the Law

No legal document can heal the emotional wounds caused by estrangement, silence, or abandonment. Yet, the law can provide structure, clarity, and a means to ensure that your estate reflects your values and intentions.

Inheritance is about more than money or property—it is a reflection of the legacy you choose to leave behind. It encompasses memories, values, and the people you wish to honor. And sometimes, the truest wealth lies not in the assets themselves, but in the conscious, deliberate choice of how and to whom you pass them, peacefully, thoughtfully, and with intention.