The Petty Will: How to Ensure Your Frenemies Get Nothing
- Coverage Clarity Team
- Feb 12
- 2 min read
Let’s be real—leaving behind a legacy is great, but making sure the wrong people get nothing? Even better. If you’ve worked hard to build something meaningful, the last thing you want is for your assets to end up in the hands of someone who doesn’t deserve them. This is where The Petty Will comes in—your final act of financial boundary-setting.
Because Not Everyone Deserves a Slice of Your Legacy
Estate planning isn’t just about who gets something—it’s also about who doesn’t. You didn’t spend a lifetime making smart choices just to have your hard-earned assets mismanaged by someone who had no business being in your will to begin with. That’s why planning ahead is key to making sure your legacy lands in the right hands, not just any hands.
Steps to Keep the Wrong People Out of Your Will
Get Specific with Beneficiaries – Vague language leaves room for people to contest your wishes. Name your beneficiaries clearly and review your documents regularly.
Set Up a Trust for Extra Protection – If you want to add an extra layer of control, a trust allows you to dictate how and when funds are distributed. No lump sums for the reckless.
Use an Explicit Exclusion Clause – Don’t assume silence will keep unwanted hands out. Put it in writing—name those who shouldn’t receive anything so there’s no confusion.
No-Contest Clause = Ultimate Petty Move – This legally prevents anyone from challenging your will. If they do, they get nothing.
Work With a Professional – A DIY will from the internet won’t cut it when it comes to blocking out uninvited hands. Have an estate planning attorney draft a solid, enforceable document.
Petty, But With a Purpose
At the end of the day, this isn’t just about being petty—it’s about protecting your wealth and ensuring your final wishes are honored. You get to decide who benefits from your legacy, and who gets left with exactly what they put in (which, in some cases, is nothing).
So, if you’ve been side-eyeing a certain someone who has no business inheriting your hard work, now is the time to make sure they’re officially uninvited from your financial future. Because a true legacy isn’t just about what you leave behind—it’s about who you leave it to.
Comments