Answer

It is a common arrangement for a deceased to leave a "life estate" to a spouse and then have the home pass along to a child or children. In such a situation, the property is considered jointly owned by the spouse and child. The spouse has a property interest in the property for the remainder of her life. The child has what is called a remainder interest in the property.

So while your wife has some property interest in the property, it is usually not worth much until the holder of the life estate dies and the property becomes controlled completely by the one party.

In any event, property inherited by one party in a marriage is usually not considered joint property. Personal property of one party in a divorce is not subject to division. Therefore, you would normally not be entitled to any share of your wife's inheritance.

Sorry if this is not the answer you wanted, but I hope it answers your question.


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Expert:	Guru_Guy
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Answered:	11/18/2007

Lawyer (JD)

My specialties include Civil Rights and Constitutional law, as well as general practice issues.