🌍 Children, inheritance & global · #151
The house I live in with my children is still in my late husband's name. Does my co-wife also have a right to it?
Yes, a house in the deceased's name is part of his estate, so all the heirs, including your co-wife and her children, have a share in it. This fact often shocks wives who assumed the house they live in was their own. The position is different if the house was fully and properly given to you as a gift (hibah) during your husband's lifetime, or if you can prove a contribution as jointly acquired property (harta sepencarian). If not, there is still a peaceful way. The other heirs may agree that you keep living there, you may buy their shares in instalments, or the house may be placed within your and your children's shares. Start the discussion with a clear written proposal, through a sulh officer or the estate officer. See two-household finances.