After my husband’s death, I was shocked to discover that we were never married and that I cannot claim the inheritance.

“I understand,” he said kindly. “But without those legal documents, in the eyes of the law, you were cohabiting partners. Not spouses. And your husband died intestate, without a will. That means his estate goes to his next of kin under state law.”

A man sitting in his office | Source: Pexels

A man sitting in his office | Source: Pexels

“I am his closest relationship,” I said desperately. “I am his wife. I am the mother of his children.”

The lawyer shook his head slowly. “His parents are deceased, but he has a brother in Oregon and several cousins. They are his legal heirs. In fact, you have two weeks to leave the house. It is part of the assets that will be liquidated and distributed among them.”

I felt my knees give way, even though I was already sitting down.