Ceres, CA Estate Planning Law Firms & Lawyers

Tough question. The witnesses have to sign saying that they saw the testator sign his will they have to believe that he knew it was his will, they don't necessarily need to know what's in it, but they have to believe that testator knows and is willingly, knowingly signing his will, and he's not under any undue influence or legal incapacity. So the witnesses shouldn't sign as witnesses unless they honestly believe that the testator knows what's in the will, understands it, and means it to be his last will and testament. How exactly you show that is a very tough question.

1/2 belongs to the estate. That said, she may still be able to keep the house depending upon who is the heir of the husband's estate. Speak with a probate attorney ASAP.

You only have to complete the ceremony and sign the marriage certificate to be considered a spouse. If your father-in-law has a will, the terms of that document will determine who inherit which parts of his estate. If he doesn't have a will, the state's intestacy laws will control. Furthermore, the title on things like property deeds, insurance policies, and bank accounts may impact who gets those items. Many states allow a surviving spouse at least some portion of the estate but it may not be very much.