No-Contest Clause Agreement Template

What Is the No-Contest Clause Agreement?

A no-contest clause agreement, also called an in terrorem clause, is a legal contract that penalizes beneficiaries who challenge your Will or Trust. Anyone who contests your estate plan forfeits their entire inheritance. The forfeited property goes to other beneficiaries or charities you designate.

This standalone agreement strengthens the no-contest provisions already in your Will or Trust. It proves beneficiaries received advance notice and gave informed consent. Courts view this separate contract as stronger evidence of your intent than a clause buried in estate planning documents.

 

 

Is This No-Contest Clause Agreement Right for You?

You need this agreement if you're:

• Making estate plan changes that could surprise beneficiaries
• Creating unequal distributions among children or family members
• Appointing a trustee some family members might challenge
• Disinheriting someone partially or completely from your estate
• Planning a blended family estate with potential for conflict
• Concerned about a beneficiary's history of litigation

You definitely need this agreement if:

• You're cutting someone's inheritance who might retaliate legally
• Family members have already threatened to contest your plan
• You're choosing one child as trustee over others
• Your estate is large enough to justify expensive litigation
• You've remarried and have children from prior marriages

 

 

Why Thousands Trust Legal GPS Templates

Save Money. Attorneys charge $1,500-$3,500 for estate planning packages with no-contest provisions. Get the same protection for $35.

Save Time. Download instantly and complete in under an hour. No scheduling appointments or waiting for callbacks.

Look Professional. Attorney-drafted language courts recognize and enforce. Proper legal terminology and formatting throughout.

Keeps You Out of Court. The Scope of Forfeiture provisions specify exactly what beneficiaries lose if they contest. The Protected Actions section lets people ask legitimate questions without triggering penalties. The Burden of Proof clause forces challengers to prove their actions don't violate the agreement.

 

 

 

Get Protected in 3 Simple Steps

Step 1: Secure Checkout. Complete your purchase through our encrypted payment system. Instant access to your downloadable template.

Step 2: Instant Download. Receive your no-contest clause agreement immediately as an editable document. Open in Word, Google Docs, or any text editor.

Step 3: Fill In the Highlighted Fields. Complete the bracketed sections with your information. Choose your forfeiture options and redistribution preferences. Have beneficiaries sign with notarization.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use this template multiple times?

Yes. Use it each time you update your estate plan or need beneficiaries to acknowledge your no-contest provisions.

Is this contract legally binding?

Yes, when properly executed with notarization. Courts generally enforce no-contest clauses when beneficiaries receive meaningful bequests and sign agreements voluntarily.

Do no-contest clauses work in every state?

Most states enforce them, but a few have restrictions. California, Florida, and Indiana require probable cause exceptions. Connecticut and Rhode Island historically limited them. Check your state law or consult local counsel.

What makes this different from including a no-contest clause in my Will?

This standalone agreement proves beneficiaries had advance notice and gave informed consent. Courts view separate contracts as stronger evidence of intent than clauses buried in estate documents.

How much should I leave beneficiaries to make the forfeiture meaningful?

Each beneficiary should receive at least 10-20% of what they might win by contesting. If someone would get $500,000 through intestacy but your Will leaves them $50,000, the forfeiture threat works.

Can beneficiaries still challenge my executor's actions?

Yes. The Protected Actions section allows objections to executor misconduct, requests for accounting, and good faith questions about administration. Only challenges to the validity of your estate plan trigger forfeiture.