Affidavit of Heirship

[goose]

Is there any reason to bypass probate court and sign an affidavit of heirship ?

My wife's Mother passed away with a will. We do not know what is in the will, however we think it states that her spouse gets everything. Her spouse is asking my wife to sign the above. Why would he do that ?

 

[disagreeable]

Presumably the will omitted your wife completely, leaving it open for her to contest it on the basis mom forgot to include her as a beneficiary.