Parents with no Will in the event of death

[cmorri4633]

I live in Maryland. In the event that both my parents die, there is no will made out to determine who will be in charge of the estate and who gets what. Obviously this would be easier if I was the only child in this situation. I am the child of both my mother and father but my father has 4 other children that are not my mothers children. Due to the situation, I would like to know how properties, money,valuables etc. would be split up. If something is in the name of both of my parents, would it automatically default to me or would it be split up? And if this is the case, is there anyway that I could disupute this in court if a will is not put together?

Thanks,
Candice

 

[dee_dub]

Their assets will get split up according to the laws of intestacy in Maryland. People usually don't die together - they usually die one first, then the other - and the order of death could make a difference. The rule in Maryland is that the surviving spouse gets $7500 plus 1/2 of what's left, and the surviving children divide up the other 1/2. If your father survives your mother, the residue of the estate would be divided up amongst all of his children. If the mother survives the father, it might go only to you - I'm not sure of the status of stepchildren in Maryland.

 

[jharris352]

Due to the situation, I would like to know how properties, money,valuables etc. would be split up.

Are you planning on your parent's dying? If I were them I would be somewhat insulted about your hyper concern over my assets and whether or not you get them.

Dee_dub is correct about the rules except that your Mother and Father may not own everything jointly. So if your Mom dies, only what is owned by her solely is subject to inheritance. Whatever is owned jointly will simply go to the surviving spouse.

Am I missing something or do you have some legitimate reason for tabulating your inheritance before either of your parents die?