Is there a certain amount of time that you need to be married before you can inherit money from a spouse?
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Is there a certain amount of time that you need to be married before you can inherit money from a spouse?
If a couple are married for less than 60 days and then the husband dies, is the wife entitled to his assets?
Asked on July 10, 2019 under Estate Planning, Iowa
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 4 years ago | Contributor
All that is required to be eligible for such an inheritance is that the parties were married; the length of the marriage is of no conseqence. Accordingly, once the wedding officiant says,"You are now husband and wife", you are a legal heir.
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 4 years ago | Contributor
Yes, she would be--there is no minimum time to be married. All that matters is status--i.e. are you a spouse or not? If you are a spouse, which you are from the very moment you are married, then you are treated as a spouse for inheritance purposes.
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