US Law: Property you cannot dispose off in your will

By Yasser Latif Hamdani

(This information applies only to the US)

Through your will and testament you cannot dispose off the following:

1. Life Insurance Benefits

2. Pensions

3. US Government Savings Bonds

4. Jointly owned property with the right of survivorship.

5. Exempt property which by law go to your widow/widower and children.

6. Property you expect to inherit but do not inherit before your death.

7. Life tenancy for a house or an accommodation.

8. Income from a trust fund.


An exception to the rule governing the proceeds of a life insurance policy occurs when you name your estate as a beneficiary (one of the many reasons you ought to consult a real estate lawyer).

Courts of Probate

A court that administers the estates of persons who have died and the estates of persons who have, by legal process, been declared incompetent to manage their own properties such as insane persons, alcoholics or spendthrifts. In some states courts of Probate have limited civil and criminal authority in estate matters. They may be called orphans' courts or surrogate's courts.