If my mother and stepfather owned a house but now they have both passed away, do I have a legal right to the house since his biological daughter is seeking to claim it?
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If my mother and stepfather owned a house but now they have both passed away, do I have a legal right to the house since his biological daughter is seeking to claim it?
My mom died 2 years ago; my stepdad died a month ago.
Asked on February 17, 2015 under Estate Planning, Washington
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 9 years ago | Contributor
If they owned the house together and he passed away after her, then the house will go to his heirs, not hers--so it would seem to go to his daughter, unless he has a will leaving it (or a share of it) to you. Had he passed away before your mom, then it would have gone to her heirs--that is, you--and not his--that is, his daughter--unless you mom had a will leaving it or a share in it to his daugher.
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