My 49-year-old friend's former step dad passed away this week. Step dad raised her and even though he's been divorced from her mother for nearly 30 years, they maintained a close relationship and called each other dad/daughter (even though he never legally adopted her).
Since he knew he was dying, he filed a Homestead Declaration and also put the deed to the house in both of their names as joint tenants. He also added her to his bank account. Because of this, he did not feel a will or trust was necessary since there are no other major assets.
Now that he has passed, some of his distant blood relatives (cousins, uncles) are saying they should receive the contents of the house (some furniture, a new TV, etc.).
Who is legally entitled to the contents of the house without a will in place?
Since he knew he was dying, he filed a Homestead Declaration and also put the deed to the house in both of their names as joint tenants. He also added her to his bank account. Because of this, he did not feel a will or trust was necessary since there are no other major assets.
Now that he has passed, some of his distant blood relatives (cousins, uncles) are saying they should receive the contents of the house (some furniture, a new TV, etc.).
Who is legally entitled to the contents of the house without a will in place?
