Legal Question in Family Law in Texas

The proper term is "informal marriage."

If an estate has not been opened, then you need to talk to a probate attorney about opening an estate.

If the property is real property, and it was homestead, then the surviving spouse (you) has a life estate in the property.

Remember that in a will, one can give way only what one actually owns. If I have a one-half interest in a house, I cannot leave the entire house to someone else in my will.