Can an Ex-spouse Accidentally Inherit Property?
Possibly. I've ***previously written***that a divorce voids any will provision in favor of an ex-spouse or his/her family. EC123.001(b), 201.001. If a new will is executed giving the ex-spouse property after the divorce or if the provision in favor of the ex-spouse is added to a will after the divorce, then those provisions in favor of the ex-spouse are valid. Likewise, I've ***previously written***that a properly executed codicil republishes the will as of the date of the codicil. 280 2d 731. So, what does this all mean.
Problems After Divorce and Codicils
Let's say a couple is divorced. Any provision in their wills in favor of the other one is void. Sometime later, the husband makes a codicil adding a small gift to his church. Because the codicil republishes the will as of the date of the codicil, those old provisions in the will in favor of the ex-spouse that were voided by the divorce now are brought back to life! The ex-spouse may inherit although that is not what is intended. The message for today is to go to your attorney and make a new will after a divorce. Otherwise, things that you don't want to happen can happen.
Tell me what happened
Write to me through the contact form: what happened, roughly when, and who is involved. I read these myself. Writing means our first conversation can be about your situation instead of getting me up to speed.
This page is general information about Texas law. It is not legal advice about your situation, and reading it does not create an attorney–client relationship. These matters turn heavily on specific facts and specific dates, and the law has exceptions this page does not cover. You should not take, or refrain from taking, any action based on this page. Discuss your circumstances with an attorney who can advise you on them.