David Allen Charous's Answers

How do I get my name on bank accounts and house? My wife of 39 years died and we have no will.

Assuming your wife passed away in Illinois and was an Illinois resident, the Illinois intestate statute (the law governing the disposition of the estate when one dies without a will) will govern. If your wife had children surviving her as well as yourself, then the statute provides that a certain percentage will go to them and a certain percentage to you. If your spouse had children from a previous marriage, the situation could be a bit more complex, since the assets would have to be split...