Disclaimer (Inheritance) – Glossary

Probate & Legal

A formal, written refusal to accept an inheritance, causing the property to pass to the next beneficiary in line.

A disclaimer (also called a renunciation) is the legal act of refusing an inheritance. When a person disclaims, they are treated as if they died before the person who left them the property. The disclaimed assets pass to whoever is next in line.

Why Someone Would Disclaim an Inheritance

Disclaiming is not just for people who do not want the property. It is a planning tool used in several situations:

Tax planning: A surviving spouse might disclaim to use estate tax exemptions.
Creditor concerns: A beneficiary with large debts might disclaim. The assets may then pass to children or other family members.
Simpler distribution: An older beneficiary might disclaim in favor of their own children. This skips a generation without added complexity.

Rules for a Valid Disclaimer

Arizona follows the Uniform Disclaimer of Property Interests Act. A valid disclaimer must be in writing and signed by the disclaiming party. It must go to the personal representative, trustee, or other proper person. The disclaimant must not have accepted the property or its benefits first.