Ifmy common-law spouse passed away 5 months ago, what do I need to do?

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Ifmy common-law spouse passed away 5 months ago, what do I need to do?

We were common law married for over 20 years but he did not have a Will. He owned the home we lived in which is solely in his name. We have joint ownership of one vehicle and we have a joint checking account. He does not have any other property or assets. We have 2 grown daughters, 28 and 23. How do I proceed from here?

Asked on May 29, 2019 under Estate Planning, Colorado

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 4 years ago | Contributor

First, please accept our sympathy for your and your daughters' loss.
If the only assets you have are a jointly titled (in both your names) vehicle and a joint checking account, there is nothing you need to do: joint assets like those automatically become solely yours as the surving joint owner as soon as the other joint owner passed away. Nothing must be done to transfer ownership of them.


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