Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Pennsylvania

My mother's ex husband bought her a diamond ring a few months ago. She just recently passed away and he is demanding the ring back. I am beneficiary of her life insurance and had power of attorney while she was alive. Unfortunately, she did not have a will. I have taken care of all of her affairs, paid her bills, and packed up her apt. Do I legally have to give him the ring back? It was amongst her posessions.

Thank you,

Dorinda


Asked on 10/12/09, 9:27 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Richard Teitell Richard K. Teitell, Esquire, P.C.

I am sorry for the loss of your mother. If the ring was a gift to your mother it was owned by her, & becomes part of her estate. Since she died without a Will all her assets pass to her heirs according to law. If she had no spouse ( I assume from your email there was none) then all goes to her children in equal shares. If you are the only child you get 100%, otherwise you have to split evenly with your siblings. The ring does not need to be returned. I hope the above answers your question. Good luck!

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Answered on 10/17/09, 12:00 pm


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