Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in New York

Husband's rights to deceased wife's assets and property

I am Inquiring about a husbands right to his wife's assets, mainly home furnishings from her previous marriage. The present husband lived with his wife for 30 years.before she passed away.

Should her lawyer divulge the amount of her estate including her will. There are no children involved

I am asking as the husband's POA.

Thank you


Asked on 3/19/05, 7:14 pm

4 Answers from Attorneys

Arnold Nager Arnold H. Nager, Esquire

Re: Husband's rights to deceased wife's assets and property

Husband # 1 has no claim on the estate except what may have been left to him by will.

Husband #2 (Current Husband) is entitled to a minimum of $50,000 plus one-third of the estate.

I suggest you consult an attorney.

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Answered on 3/21/05, 7:33 am
Lyn Boland Boland & Cline

Re: Husband's rights to deceased wife's assets and property

Unless a Waiver of a Right of Election was signed, the surviving husband has a right to the personal property in the home and to a portion of the deceased spouse's estate

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Answered on 3/20/05, 10:45 am
John O'Donnell Attorney at Law

Re: Husband's rights to deceased wife's assets and property

A husband is entitled to share in his wife's estate. Pursuant to law, that share must be at least 1/3 of her assets. How the assets are divided may be up to the discretion of the executor if the wife had a will.

A husband must be notified if an application is made to Surrogate's Court concerning the distribution of assets.

I would recommend that you consult with an attorney.

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Answered on 3/20/05, 12:16 pm
Andrew Nitzberg Andrew Nitzberg & Associates

Re: Husband's rights to deceased wife's assets and property

The previous husband has no rights or interest except as provided in the will. If he is in the will, then he has a right to view the will and other rights.

Good luck.

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Answered on 3/20/05, 9:19 pm


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