Sun 29 Nov, 2009 10:33 pm
When my wifes father passed away 10 years ago, he left my wife a bag of old coins. Lot's of valuable 1800's silver dollars along with alot of other antique coins. We are in the process of getting a fairly simple uncontested divorce handled by a mediator, and when I brought this up she said that it is considered an inheritance and therfore is not to be considered. There is no paperwork to document this, and the money was given to both of us, not just her, but there is no documentation on that either. It has always just sat in our dresser drawer. I think this should be considered as common proprty to be split or traded with something else. Is this all hers just because she says she inherited it?
Thank you
The above link was helpful, but didn't say much in regards to NYS and/or the documentation required to show proof of inheritance. I say that he gave it to us both, she says that since she is the daughter, it was only meant for her.
@Phoenix32890,
Was it kept separate, though?
@Phoenix32890,
Yeah, that's what I had in mind when I asked. The part you highlighted stopped before the "separate" part, which means it's inconclusive.
I'd tend to think that being kept in a communal bureau in a shared home is not really separate -- a safe-deposit box in her name would be, for example. But it's tricky.
@sozobe,
Needless to say, if you feel strongly that those coins were intended for you as well as your wife -- and I think that's possible, depending on a lot of stuff I don't know -- you should talk to a lawyer about it.
If your goal is a simple, uncontested divorce, probably easiest to drop it.
grow up, they're your wife's coins, let it drop
@Hawkman,
These coins only have value on paper. It's been ten years and you haven't sold them, appraised them, traded them, etc. Neither you or your wife ever expected to sell them, so they really have no value other than sentimental. If they have sentimental value to you, ask your wife for one coin to remember your father-in-law by and then let it drop.
Thanks, some very valid points, I will probably let it slide with a coin tossed in for the memories. It's just that we have been honest with each other since this started and I feel that she was trying to keep this (a large amount of money) out of sight and conversation. Funny how this didn't seem important to bring up but 'half of the value' of my motorcycle - DID seem important to her.
@Hawkman,
yes, but half the value of the motorcycle came out of funds that belonged to marriage
You are correct, you were all correct, thinking about this was foolish. So many other things to worry about. Guess the whole divorce thing just made me think irrationally. Thanks for everyone's input, it did help me put things in perspective.
@Hawkman,
Glad it was helpful, Hawkman. I get that this is a tough time for you.
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