If my father passed and we have a sister who we havent had contact with in 25 years, is she still eligible as an heir?

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If my father passed and we have a sister who we havent had contact with in 25 years, is she still eligible as an heir?

My dad left no Will but has property in another state.

Asked on February 28, 2018 under Estate Planning, Michigan

Answers:

M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 6 years ago | Contributor

If your father died without a Will, then he died "intestate". This means that the intestacy laws of the state in which he was domiciled when he died will control. Typically, his surviving spouse, if any, and the deceased's children will share in the estate. It makes no difference if any child was estranged from the deceased. Accordngly, your sister is a legal heir. Had your father made a Will, he could have disinherited her but he did not.

M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 6 years ago | Contributor

If your father died without a Will, then he died "intestate". This means that the intestacy laws of the state in which he was domiciled when he died will control. Typically, his surviving spouse, if any, and the deceased's children will share in the estate. It makes no difference if any child was estranged from the deceased. Accordngly, your sister is a legal heir. Had your father made a Will, he could have disinherited her but he did not.


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