Forfeiture Clause a Way to Cut Heir Out of Will in Texas

Houston Chronicle:  “Curry Glassell, the daughter of oilman and arts benefactor Alfred Glassell, is disputing his last will in a high-profile Houston court battle that will have serious consequences for Houston’s arts groups as well as for the Glassell family.   One of the issues at stake is what is called an ‘in terrorem’ clause in the will (also known as a forfeiture clause) that provides that anyone who contests the will is to lose whatever bequest has been granted to him or her — hence, the ‘terror’ that will result if one does not follow the directives of the will.  The will of the recently and tragically deceased John O’Quinn also contains a no contest clause.”