Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in California

Common law wife and taxes regarding inheritance.

My friend was the common law wife of a man who died and left her 50% of his assests.

They are quite substantial. Is there any way to avoid the huge tax liability due to fact

that they were common law spouses, but not married.


Asked on 6/25/00, 8:43 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Ken Koury Kenneth P. Koury, Esq.

Re: Common law wife and taxes regarding inheritance.

there is no such thing as a common law wife in CA

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Answered on 9/01/00, 6:50 pm
Chris Johnson Christopher B. Johnson, Attorney at Law

Re: Common law wife and taxes regarding inheritance.

California does not recognize "common law" marriages. Did she perhaps live in another state which recognized the marriage?

Otherwise, she will probably owe her share of the estate tax due if the estate was worth more than $675,000.

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Answered on 9/03/00, 1:38 am


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