Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Massachusetts

Distribution of assets of deceased who had no will

My aunt died intestate. She was survived by husband, but no children. All her sisters and brothers are deceased, but she has several neices and nephews.

How will her assets be distributed?


Asked on 2/11/01, 7:25 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

William St. James William St. James, Attorney At Law

Re: Distribution of assets of deceased who had no will

First, since your aunt was married at the time of

her death and, typically, husband and wife own

everything jointly, she probably left no estate.

Assets jointly owned are not probated because

the surviving joint owner already has title to them.

Secondly, if she did have assets solely in her own

name when she died intestate her husband would

inherit from her.

Hope this helps,

Bill St. James

Read more
Answered on 3/22/01, 6:47 am


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