Woman’s choice of partner about to end inheritance

DEAR ABBY: I’m a 67-year-old father to a wonderful daughter.

She has decided to stay with her boyfriend, who recently got out of jail for stealing $200,000 from his grandparents.

Because of this, I don’t want to leave her a large sum of money when I pass. (As of now, she’d inherit it.)

My problem is, how do I tell her I’m removing her from my will?

If I tell her, I’m scared she’ll hate me and end our relationship.

But if I don’t tell her now, she’ll be so disappointed when that time does come.

Her boyfriend has already stolen $200 from her checking account since his release from jail.

He has a gambling problem but continues to deny it.

I can’t take the chance that he wouldn’t steal from her on a much bigger scale.

She stands to inherit more than $400,000.

How do I tell her?

I know I can set up a trust for her, but telling her my decision is the difficult problem.

— PLANNING AHEAD IN FLORIDA

DEAR PLANNING: You didn’t say that you’re in ill health.

You could live another 15 or 20 years and, if you do, your daughter could have wised up and chosen a more suitable partner by then.

I do think your idea of creating a trust for her is a good one.

However, I see no reason why you should discuss that plan with her now.

If you feel the need to explain, do it in a letter to be given to her at the time of your demise.