If my spouse dies, and he or she is the sole bread winner in the family, do the assets automatically transfer to me?

Question

If my spouse dies, and he or she is the sole bread winner in the family, do the assets automatically transfer to me?

Accepted Answer

If all of your assets are jointly owned, all of these assets pass directly to the surviving spouse. Normally, cars are not jointly owned, but the department of motor vehicles in your state should easily transfer the title to your name without your having to go to probate court.

Surviving Financial Crises

Death of a Spouse

If my spouse dies, and he or she is the sole bread winner in the family, do the assets automatically transfer to me?