The answer to the riddle may have absolutely nothing to do with the articles of confederation or the constitution. In fact, I can't think of a reason while it would. A lot of facts are missing which a very relevant to the situation. Did the first husband leave a will? Did he leave the property to his wife under a will - for a term of years - as a life estate - conditioned upon not getting remarried or remarried for x number of years. An estate until any minor children came of age? Were they simply to busy to go to the jurisdiction to make the change? Bill Russell To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html