Website: Hatcher Families Resource Center http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~nhatcher List Admin: Hatcher email list Researching: Cook, Hall, Hatcher, Kuhns, Miller, Shepherd, Timberman The HATCHER BOOKS are now available - Edward, Henry, and Benjamin For more info: http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~nhatcher/hatchlib.htm "Genealogy Without Documentation is Mythology" I believe the widow is entitled to 1/3 of the estate. Correct me if I'm wrong on this. But while we're on the subject of wills, I have another question regarding the man who dies intestate. In reading up on early colonial VA law, my impression is that if no will was written, the eldest son inherits the entire estate. Does this mean the widow inherits nothing, or does it mean the eldest son inherits the remaining 2/3 and the widow still inherits her 1/3? If the widow inherits nothing, it would seem as if she might become a charity case if you're dealing with a dysfunctional family :-) Or did the law also require in this situation that the eldest son assume responsibility for his mother's care? Nel To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-roots.html