Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in New Jersey

Condolences on the loss of your mother-in-law.

The inclusion or not of the house in her estate depends on the exact wording in the deed. If it created a tenants by the entirety, the house became the property of her husband automatically on her death without passing through her estate. If a tenants by the entirety was not expressly created by the wording in the deed, it probably is included in her estate. To be certain, the Personal Representative named in her Will, or if she did not have a Will, whoever is appointed to administer the estate by the Surrogate's Office, should consult a local estates attorney.

THIS RESPONSE IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE, SINCE I DO NOT HAVE ALL OF THE INFORMATION THAT WOULD BE REQUIRED, AND I DO NOT HAVE A REPRESENTATION AGREEMENT WITH YOU.

* If the answers to your question confirm that you have a valid issue or worthwhile claim, your next step should almost always be to establish a dialog with a lawyer who can provide specific advice to you. Contact a lawyer in your county or township.

* Another reason for contacting a lawyer is that it is often impossible to give a good answer in the Internet Q&A format without having more information. The unique circumstances of your situation and things that you may not have thought to mention in your question may completely change the answer. If you want to be sure that you have a complete answer to your question and an understanding of what that answer means, establish a connection with a lawyer who practices in the area of your concern.