I'm asking this question for somebody else. Her husband just passed away. They have been together for a while however they just recently married a few months ago. She is worried that because they were married for such a short time, she will somehow lose their home. There was no will. And this is in New York State.
The only information I found stated that the surviving spouse gets the first $50k of the estate plus half of the remaining estate, if there was no will. The entire estate is only worth at most $35k, even less after mortgage/liens. Who would she need to speak to to get the deed etc in her name? How does it work when there is no will? Some other online research suggested going to a lawyer, however she has very little (virtually no) money for a lawyer. Any information is appreciated.
Read more: Is there a law on how long a couple must be married to inherit property upon death? (no will, NYS)?
