If my mom died without Will, do I still get the house like she wanted me to?
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If my mom died without Will, do I still get the house like she wanted me to?
The rest of the family knows her wishes and that was that she wanted to leave the house to me, her son. I have lived in the same house for 15 years, since my father passed away. I surrported my mother since that time, with the exception of her Social Security. She had made it known to the rest of the family her intentions of leaving the house to me, unfortunately I do not have any proof for of that. However, I have declared her as a dependent for the past 3 years. How likely is it that her wishes are going to be followed?
Asked on December 10, 2017 under Estate Planning, Pennsylvania
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 7 years ago | Contributor
When someone dies without a Will, they die "intestate". This means that the intestacy laws of the state in which they were domilciled when they died will control. Typically, in such a situation an estate is distributed to the surviving spouse, if any, and the children of the deceased. Accordingly, assuming that there is no spouse, you and your siblings are legally entitled to your late mother's home. Whether or not you supported her, lived with her and declared her as a dependent has no bearing on the distibution of the estate. That having been said, if your siblings agree to waive their rights to the house, then you can inherit it in your name alone. Otherwise, I'm afraid that you are out of luck as to sole ownership. The fact is that oral intentions are not binding, your mother should have had a Will leaving her house to you.
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