The Devastation of Disinheritance

Mary Beth Keane reflects on the emotional turmoil caused by her father’s decision to disinherit her, a revelation that occurred eight years prior. Despite attempts to move on through various means, such as therapy and writing, she receives a surprising envelope from her oldest brother containing her share of the inheritance. He and her other brothers had decided to split the proceeds four ways instead of three, effectively “re-inheriting” her. 

Despite this gesture, she is overwhelmed with sadness, possibly due to the deep-rooted family conflicts and fractured relationships caused by the disinheritance. The article explores the complexities of family dynamics, the author’s emotional journey, and the challenges faced by those who have been disinherited.

For more information see MB Caschetta “Modern Love: The Devastation of Disinheritance”, The New York Times, December 5, 2023.

Special thanks to Jerome Borison (Sturm College of Law) for bringing this article to my attention.