Who legally owns a property ?

[zebra9]

Hello,

if a married couple live in a property fully owned just by the husband with his name on the title deeds and no mortgage and the husband passes away, who legally owns the property?

The title deeds are in the husbands name only, the widows name not on the deeds. Also , no will leaving the property to the widow.
The widow carried on living in the property paying council tax , insurance and utility bills.
Does she legally own the property?
She also has very advanced dementia and in a care home.

 

[nitram]

Does she legally own the property?

The property becomes part of the deceased husband's estate and with no will owner is determined by Laws of intestacy

Assuming it passes to widow it will have to be sold to pay for care when her other assets reach the upper limit in a financial assessment.
If no LPA a deputyship will have to be applied for.

 

[zebra9]

Thank you for replying, very helpful information.