Dyson Law Firm
September 9th, 2025
What Happens When You’re Told You’ll Inherit More, But You Don’t?
When you’re promised a specific portion of the estate or a certain asset, but the will did not distribute these assets as promised, are you able to challenge the will for what you were promised? Or is the will-maker able to change the will as they wish, regardless of what was promised initially?
In most cases, verbal promises are not enough to vary the will.
The court will typically consider the written will to be the most concrete reflection of the testators’ wishes. This minimizes the likelihood of disputes and confusion among beneficiaries. Without written proof, claims of promised inheritance often turn into a fight…
If a loved one ever verbally promises you an asset or certain share of the estate, the best way to protect that promise is by either:
- Ensuring the will is accurate to the promise,
- Having a contractual agreement of some kind,
- Or initiating the transfer of assets before death.
While a verbal promise might be enforceable in certain circumstances, it’s best to have the promised inheritance in writing. Verbal promises are very hard to prove, and not as reliable as the written will is, especially in the eyes of the court.
