Full question:
My brother died 2 months ago, leaving a will and his wife is mentally disabled. They do not have any surviving descendants other than me. Can she I make an election of the share of my brother’s estate on behalf of his wife?
- Category: Wills and Estates
- Subcategory: Elective Share of Estate
- Date:
- State: Michigan
Answer:
Widow of a deceased who dies with or without a will can exercise the right of election of share in compliance with the provisions of the Michigan intestacy laws. Mich. Comp.Laws § 700.2002 provides for the election of the surviving spouse.
By law, the right of election of the surviving spouse should be made during the lifetime of the surviving spouse. A 63-day time limit is provided within which the election must be made. 63-days’ time commences from either after the date for presentment of claims or after service of the inventory upon the surviving spouse, whichever is later.
However, if the widow is legally disabled or incapacitated, the right of election can be implemented only by the court if it is necessary to do so for the benefit of the widow and is required for her support during her life.
MCLS § 700.2202
Election of surviving spouse.
Sec. 2202. (1) The surviving widow of a decedent who was domiciled in this state and who dies intestate may file with the court an election in writing that she elects to take 1 of the following:
(a) Her intestate share under section 2102.
(b) If the decedent died before the effective date of the amendatory act that added section 30 to 1846 RS 66, her dower right under sections 1 to 29 of 1846 RS 66, MCL 558.1 to to 558.29.
(2) The surviving spouse of a decedent who was domiciled in this state and who dies testate may file with the court an election in writing that the spouse elects 1 of the following:
(a) That the spouse will abide by the terms of the will.
(b) That the spouse will take 1/2 of the sum or share that would have passed to the spouse had the testator died intestate, reduced by 1/2 of the value of all property derived by the spouse from the decedent by any means other than testate or intestate succession upon the decedent's death.
(c) If a widow, and if the decedent died before the effective date of the amendatory act that added section 30 to 1846 RS 66, that she will take her dower right under sections 1 to 29 of 1846 RS 66, MCL 558.1 to to 558.29.
(3) The surviving spouse electing under subsection (1) is limited to 1 choice. Unless the testator's will plainly shows a contrary intent, the surviving spouse electing under subsection (2) is limited to 1 choice. The right of election of the surviving spouse under this section must be exercised during the lifetime of the surviving spouse. The election must be made within 63 days after the date for presentment of claims or within 63 days after service of the inventory upon the surviving spouse, whichever is later.
(4) Notice of right of election must be served on the decedent's spouse, if any, as provided in section 3705(5), and proof of that notice must be filed with the court. An election as provided by this section may be filed instead of service of notice and filing of proof.
(5) For a legally incapacitated person, the right of election may be exercised only by order of the court in which a proceeding as to that person's property is pending, after finding that exercise is necessary to provide adequate support for the legally incapacitated person during that person's life expectancy.
(6) The surviving spouse of a decedent who was not domiciled in this state is entitled to election against the intestate estate or against the will only as may be provided by the law of the place in which the decedent was domiciled at the time of death.
(7) As used in subsection (2), "property derived by the spouse from the decedent" includes all of the following transfers:
(a) A transfer made within 2 years before the decedent's death to the extent that the transfer is subject to federal gift or estate taxes.
(b) A transfer made before the date of death subject to a power retained by the decedent that would make the property, or a portion of the property, subject to federal estate tax.
(c) A transfer effectuated by the decedent's death through joint ownership, tenancy by the entireties, insurance beneficiary, or similar means.
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.
