Expert: Mark J. Markus- California Bankruptcy Attorney - 3/31/2008

Question
I am considering filing bankruptcy and have just found out I was named as second beneficiary (primary pre-deceased me) on my recently deceased grandmother's retirement account.  I have not signed any paperwork or even spoken with the company that sent me the letter.  
My question is.....since I haven't legally accepted the $10,000 inheritance, can I protect it from my creditors while I finish my bankruptcy.  I've only filled minimal information with the bankruptcy attorney at this point.
Thank you

Answer
Whatever you are entitled to receive under the inheritance is property of the bankruptcy estate and must be listed.  I'd have to research whether you can specifically disclaim the inheritance.  I think you can, but it has to be done properly and, of course, you would not thereafter be able to receive it.