Legal Question in Family Law in Massachusetts
next of kin
my ex-husband died. We have a daughter. I have 100% custody of her. He was absent from her life. His mother and father planned his funeral. Does my daughter have any legal rights to any of his assets?
3 Answers from Attorneys
Re: next of kin
Unless your ex-husband had a Will that specifically declined to provide for your daughter, she may have rights to a portion of his estate. Retain an attorney to investigate this on her behalf. Good Luck!
Re: next of kin
Assuming that your ex-husband did not have a will, yes, your daughter would be entitled to some portion of his estate.
However, if your ex-husband did prepare a will, it is possible that he chose not to provide for her.
You should contact an attorney to explore whether there was a will, and whether administration of probate was ever commenced on behalf of your deceased ex-husband.
Re: next of kin
Unless your ex-husband's will properly cuts off your daughter, your daughter is entitled to a share of his assets.
Mr. Vaughn-Martel's advice that you get an attorney's help to look into this is right on the money.