What does a Texas spouse inherit?
If there is a will, the will determines what property a spouse inherits. If there is no will, what a spouse inherits is determined by the type of property in the estate and what other heirs of the deceased exist. A review of the property in an estate and how much of it a spouse is entitled to can be found here.
There are two types of marriages that are recognized by Texas law:
- Ceremonial marriage - where the spouses obtain a marriage license and are married by someone authorized by law to perform marriages; and
- Common law marriages - where no marriage license is obtained and a ceremonial marriage may or may not be performed.
The law treats the spouse of a **common law marriage **the same as the spouse of a ceremonial marriage. Both are heirs of their spouse and would take under the laws of descent and distribution. Of course, the **common law spouse **must **prove **that they meet all of the **legal requirements **to be considered a common law spouse before they would be entitled to inherit.
For more information Start Here to Read About Inheritance.
**By **Robert Ray a Texas inheritance attorney.
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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.