Full question:
My Grandpa and Grandma put my name on the deed to their farm in 1985. They do not owe anything on the farm. My Grandma has been on Medicaid for 9 years and has been living in a nursing home. My Grandpa passed away last year and now my Grandma just passed away. I need to know what rights I have to the farm? They left no will. Can the state take the farm?
- Category: Wills and Estates
- Subcategory: Intestacy
- Date:
- State: Missouri
Answer:
Under Missouri law, when a person dies without a will (intestate), their property is distributed according to state statutes. Since your grandparents left no will, the distribution will follow the rules of descent outlined in Missouri Revised Statutes § 474.010.
1. If there is a surviving spouse, they will inherit a portion of the estate based on whether there are children or other descendants.
2. If there is no surviving spouse, the estate will be divided among the decedent's children or their descendants. If there are no children, it will go to the decedent's parents, siblings, or their descendants, and so on.
3. If no relatives are found, the property may escheat to the state.
In your case, since your grandparents are deceased and there was no will, you may have rights to the farm as you are named on the deed. However, the state can claim the property if there are no other heirs. It's advisable to consult with a legal professional to clarify your rights and options regarding the farm.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.