Legal Question in Family Law in Washington

Inheritance from abroad

My mother lives in Denmark and has requested that when I inherit her, I will not have to ''share'' it with my husband. I am a resident alien here and have been married to my American husband for 14 years. We do not have any prenuptual agreements. I have tried to explain to her that when you are married you share everything overhere; I have never heard that you can keep an inheritance from being shared? Also if I pay estate taxes in Denmark, will I have to pay anything here? The amount will probably not exceed $400.000,00

Thanks for your answer.


Asked on 1/21/06, 7:47 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Jahnis Abelite ABELITE LAW OFFICES, P.S.

Re: Inheritance from abroad

Under Washington State law, inheritances are separate property as long as they are paid to you in your name only. Thus, an inheritance is separate property and will remain so as long as you keep those funds in a separate account that is in your name only, under your social security number and you do not put your husband's name on that account. Second, Washington State has no inheritance tax so that you should receive that money without it being taxed. You will incur tax liability for any interest earned on that money while it is in the bank. Call me if you have any further questions.

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Answered on 1/22/06, 12:46 am


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