How can we change the deed of a deceased father-in-law's house to his wife?

Full question:

My father-in-law passed away 10 years ago and left his home to his wife. However, the deed is still in his name. How do we get it changed into her name? He did leave a will stating that the house is hers.

Answer:

To change the deed into your mother-in-law's name, you will need to follow these steps: 1. **Obtain the will**: Ensure you have a copy of the will that states the house is to be transferred to her. 2. **File the will**: If not already done, file the will with the probate court in your state. This process confirms the will's validity and allows the estate to be administered. 3. **Prepare a new deed**: Create a new deed that transfers ownership from your father-in-law's estate to your mother-in-law. This deed should reference the will and include a legal description of the property. 4. **Sign and notarize**: Ensure that the new deed is signed by the personal representative of the estate (if applicable) and notarized. 5. **Record the deed**: Submit the new deed to the county recorder's office where the property is located. This officially updates the ownership records. If you need assistance, consider consulting with a probate attorney to guide you through this process. Users can search for state-specific legal templates at .

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.

FAQs

While it's not legally required to hire an attorney for a transfer on death deed, it is highly recommended. An attorney can ensure that the deed is properly drafted and complies with state laws, which can help avoid potential disputes or issues in the future.