My great-grandmother bought a piece of furniture in 1865 and made a will stating that it was to be handed down through the family. My aunt left it to me in her will 25 years ago. Now my wife is claiming it along with my other property in our divorce, but I want it to stay in the family. Will my wife be able to lay claim to it?
It’s unlikely that your wife will be entitled to everything you’ve got. Unless the piece of furniture is extremely valuable it should be possible to divide your possessions without arguing over specific items. If it is valuable, or she’s determined to have it, you may be able to argue that it shouldn’t be included in the “family assets” – ie jointly-owned property. If you can’t agree you may have to let a court decide.