The husband is appealing the judge’s ruling, as recently reported by The Times-Tribune in a story titled “Spouse of homicide victim fights for share of estate.”
What remains unclear about this story is what Talerico herself would have wanted.
Would she have wanted her husband to have a share of her estate?
We will never know for two reasons: First, Talerico did not follow through with the divorce proceedings and, second, in the absence of following through with the divorce she could have made her wishes clear in a properly prepared estate plan.
What this case demonstrates is the benefit to updating your estate plan when you file for divorce.
An experienced estate planning attorney can work in close coordination with your divorce attorney to make sure all of the bases are covered.
