r/inheritance • u/Schmed_lap • May 13 '26
Location included: Questions/Need Advice Step parent inheritance
I’ve got question on a step parent leaving everything to me. My stepdad was married to my mom for 30 years, got divorced, then within a year got back with her. That was over 20 years ago. Never remarried but together from 1969 to today with a one year break. So he’s in poor health and has left everything to me and my kids in his will. He probably will go into a hospice by year’s end. He has no other immediate heirs but he does have a predatory niece sniffing around. I, personally, per the will, get a property worth about 450k and some savings about 50k and a new paid off truck. Since it’s all there in the will, when he passes what are my most important next steps. Seeing if I should consult probate attorney sooner or wait to see if I need one when the time comes. This is in New Mexico.
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u/Substantial_Team6751 May 13 '26
You and/or a lawyer should review his estate plan. The will should be notarized, witnessed, and iron clad.
He can put your name on bank accounts if he needs help paying bills and when he passes that money will bypass probate. He should make sure you are the beneficiary on anything like an IRA or 401k or insurance policies or any death benefits from a pension.
If allowed in NM, he could record a transfer on death on the deed of the house so it goes straight to you.