Legal Question in Family Law in Massachusetts
spousal rights
Husband and I separated 9-10 yrs. (not leaglly) Spouse lives in Vermont. I live in MA. We were married in VT. Spouse now in hospital and could pass away. I never received a peny in all this time(can't afford lawyer.) Spouse has aquired land and is selling it off. If spouse dies am I entitled to anything? Am not sure if spouse has even put my name on papers used for addmiting in hospital. No one on that end might know I exist due to spouse just not mentioning me.
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: spousal rights
Your rights upon death of your spouse are determined by the law where your spouse lives. In this case: Vermont. You should repost your question to be answered by a Vermont lawyer.
Re: spousal rights
You should IMMEDIATELY file an action in Vermont to forbid the sale of marital assets. You will want a Vermont lawyer, as jurisdiction over Vermont property is best there.
Please note that your rights to the property may well be limited -- a Massachusetts court would wrestle with the long separation.