Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Michigan

Legal ownership of home

My step father does not have a will. My Mother has been married to him for over 20 years now. Her name is not listed as an owner on the property they live in. My step Dad will not make out a will. They have both lived together in the house for their entire marriage. My step Dad has two natural children from a previous marriage, ( not living in the home). Does this mean that my Mother may lose the house after his death or will she be the legal owner of the property automatically? PLease help. Thank you.


Asked on 1/22/04, 8:13 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Zedrick Braden III Ainsworth & Associates PC

Re: Legal ownership of home

Hello. To avoid any problems, I recommend that

your step dad open a land trust, naming himself

as the main beneficiary and your mom as contingent beneficiary in the event that he predeceases her. By doing this, they will bypass the need to deal with the property in a will and thus eliminate any disputes with other family members so that your mom will get the house that she deserves after all these years with your step dad. This is a case that I would be interested in.

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Answered on 1/23/04, 12:25 am
Charles Dobra Charles Wm. Dobra, Ltd.

Re: Legal ownership of home

I suspect that your question really entails "what does Mom get" if step Dad dies. Since I am not a Michigan attorney, I can't comment on the status of "common law" "marriage" relationships in Michigan. However, the advise of the creation of a land trust if your step father does not wish to have a will is good advice, and a creative solution to the problem.

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Answered on 1/23/04, 12:27 pm


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