Am I entitled to any of my ex-wife’s inheritance?
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Am I entitled to any of my ex-wife’s inheritance?
We were married for 17 years and divorced 1 year. She is an only child. Her
mother just passed away.
Would I have the legal right to any of her inheritance?
Asked on October 21, 2019 under Estate Planning, New Hampshire
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 5 years ago | Contributor
No, an ex-spouse does not inherit unless the deceased had a will specifically leaving something to the ex-spouse; ex-spouses only inherit when named in a will. It does not matter how long you were married or how briefly divorced; once divorced, you lose all inheritance rights other than through a will.
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