Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Pennsylvania

Stipulating Provision For Prospective Beneficiary per Inheritance

Can we as parents indicate provisions for a will-that prospective beneficiary (child) needs to marry a person of a specified religion---adhere to the general ethics of this said religion--if there are children of this marriage-they should be engaged in a educational program associated with said religion. Failure to do so, at some point, would disqualify prospective benediciary from inheritance.

What are the options?-


Asked on 1/05/98, 11:05 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Miriam Jacobson Retired from practice of law

inheritance requiring religious adherence

It is possible to restrict inheritence on religious conditions. However, these must be carefully constructed to adhere to those guidelines that have been upheld in cases. The time period should also be limited, bcause the inheritance should not remain uncertain for an extended period of time or be pulled back by much later developments.

You should consult an estate planning attorney in your city to review the specific conditions and restrictions you wish, and to what extent you may impose them.

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Answered on 1/06/98, 3:37 pm
Alan Pransky Law Office of Alan J. Pransky

Restrictions on inheritence

You can place reasonable restrictions on inheritance in a will. Religiousprovisions thatrestrict marriage to a certain religion and require participation in areligion have been heldreasonable.

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Answered on 2/22/98, 7:36 am


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