Yes, disinheriting a child in Egypt is legally permissible under strict conditions outlined in the Egyptian Civil Code (Law No. 131 of 1948), but it is not absolute. The testator must provide valid justification in a legally binding will, as arbitrary disinheritance violates Islamic inheritance principles and civil law protections. The Egyptian courts scrutinize such cases rigorously, often requiring evidence of severe misconduct (e.g., attempted murder, apostasy, or abandonment) to uphold the disinheritance. Recent 2026 amendments to the Civil Code have reinforced judicial oversight, mandating notary validation and mandatory mediation before disputes escalate.
Key Regulations for Disinheriting a Child in Egypt
- Valid Grounds Required: Disinheritance must be based on statutory grounds under Article 94 of the Civil Code, such as ungratefulness (kufrān al-niʿma), apostasy, or felonious acts against the testator. Courts reject disinheritance for mere disagreement or financial disputes.
- Formal Will Execution: The disinheritance must be explicitly stated in a notarized will (wasiya) registered with the Egyptian Notary Public (Maktab al-Taʿdīl al-ʿAdlī). Oral or informal disinheritance is legally void.
- Judicial Scrutiny: Disinherited heirs may challenge the decision in family courts, which assess proportionality and intent. The 2026 amendments introduced mandatory mediation (under the Family Dispute Resolution Act) to reduce litigation delays.