Question:
My wife’s mother died last year and left her with a substantial inheritance. We also own a home together where I am on the deed, but not on the mortgage. Am I entitled to any property or a portion of my wife’s inheritance if we get a divorce?
Answer:
You need to contact a domestic litigation attorney licensed in your state as property division laws vary from state to state.
In most states, inheritances and gifts are individual property; not marital property. However, in cases where the inheritance is the only asset between the two parties, the Court may take the inheritance into consideration when dividing the marital property or determining whether to award maintenance/alimony. Because property laws are so state specific, you should contact an attorney licensed in your state. I do not practice in your jurisdiction. However, Cordell & Cordell has many attorneys licensed and located in Pennsylvania who would be happy to meet with you.
Erica Christian is an Associate Attorney in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin, office of Cordell & Cordell, P.C. She is licensed to practice law in the state of Wisconsin. She is a member of the Wisconsin Bar Association, the Family Law Section and the Children’s Law Section.
