Who doesn’t get what

By Beth Newcomb

Prior to my mother-in-law’s passing, she opened her jewelry box and pointed out the items she wanted me to have when she died. When she passed, however, none of those things became mine. While it was of no consequence to me, in some families this could be grounds for all out war.

“It’s a common scenario played out in families everywhere,” says Jay Nabors, a Cleveland based attorney who focuses on estate planning. “Non-blood relatives connected to the family have no rights unless the person who passed specified an inheritance in their will.”

“Some people assume that because a son is married to a daughter-in-law who is beloved, she will also inherit if the parent dies. Or, that the estate that would have been inherited by the son will be passed to his wife if he should die. Neither of these scenarios is true,” Jay adds.

“In Ohio, inheriting from an estate automatically defaults to the blood line, and in-laws, step-parents, foster children and anyone else who has a close family connection but is not named in the will gets nothing,” Jay says.

“Adopted children are recognized as blood relatives, but ex-spouses are immediately removed from consideration by law. But if you have something of importance you want left to a non-blood relative, you need to have it put in writing in your will. Telling them you want them to have certain things does no good.”

Jay says that having your will reviewed every five years is a good idea, and if there are family changes that need to be taken into consideration that’s a good time to have those people added or taken out.

Jay is a partner with Weston Hurd LLP. He sees clients at the firm’s office in downtown Cleveland, in addition to meeting with clients in Strongsville upon request. Mention this story when you schedule an appointment. House calls and select evening appointments are available.

To reach Jay Nabors of Weston Hurd LLP, call him directly at 216-687-3205. His office is located at 1301 E. 9th Street, Suite 1900 in downtown Cleveland. Jay can also meet clients at 11221 Pearl Road in Strongsville.