my mother died without a will 3 years ago. my brother has paid the taxes on the property for 3 years. If he dies, does his estranged wife ha...

Question

my mother died without a will 3 years ago. my brother has paid the taxes on the property for 3 years. If he dies, does his estranged wife have legal rights t the property?

Answer

Your mother had real property when she passed away? That property passed by operation of law to your brother and yourself. Each of you owns 50% of the property. Your brother has paid the taxes on the property? He has a lien against the property for the sums he paid for the taxes. His share of the property would pass by testate or intestate succession, either way, if he is still married, his estranged wife would have legal rights to a part of the property.