Surviving spouse

{
  "id": "MLC-T-LAW-005454",
  "term": "Surviving spouse",
  "field": "Law",
  "definition": "The legally recognized husband or wife of a person who has died. This status grants the individual specific rights under inheritance and probate laws, which can include the right to inherit a portion of the deceased's estate, even if not named in a will. State intestacy laws dictate the exact share of the estate a surviving spouse receives when the decedent dies without a valid will.",
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/law/surviving-spouse/"
}