QUICK FACTS: Mom & Dad lived in Michigan in 1981 when Dad took title (with his 2 sisters) from Granddad to a house in Michigan where all parties lived. Dad and Mom moved to Texas thereafter where they divorced in 1985. Texas divorce decree did not specifically award Dad's Michigan real property interest to him. Dad was estranged from his family for 20+ years when he died in June 2005. Dad left a valid will and his estate is being administered by his son. The Michigan house is now being sold under a court order. Mom and Dad never lived in the house in Michigan. Does Mom have dower rights to the house/house proceeds under these facts?

I'm not a dower rights expert, but if the Dad held title to the Michigan property jointly with his 2 sisters, then I do not believe the Mom would have any dower rights in that property. Plus, even if there were dower rights, wouldn't those rights disappear once they were divorced?