Hi,Excellent points. That is why I said to get a good lawyer and time is of the essence. This is not an immigration issue. And we don’t know what the prenup outlines (if it discusses his passing) or in what province the prenup was filed. Also prenup is more of a Canadian term, Canadian law uses the term ”marriage contract.” “Over-ride” may be a strong word but since the spouse was retired, I would hope the prenuptial would have outlined what would happen in the event of the passing of a spouse especially when it is a second marriage (with step-children) and there are adult children from the first spouse. Same with any insurance policies, as it is important to name a beneficiary. And many people don’t name a beneficiary.
Using Ontario Family Law Act as an example, section 52(10) outlines Marriage Contracts. It states,
52 (1) Two persons who are married to each other or intend to marry may enter into an agreement in which they agree on their respective rights and obligations under the marriage or on separation, on the annulment or dissolution of the marriage or on death.
A surviving spouse could be excluded under the deceased’s will. However, it has to be proven that the marriage contract can be set aside [section 56(4)].
Setting aside domestic contract
56 (4) A court may, on application, set aside a domestic contract or a provision in it,
(a) if a party failed to disclose to the other significant assets, or significant debts or other liabilities, existing when the domestic contract was made;
(b) if a party did not understand the nature or consequences of the domestic contract; or
(c) otherwise in accordance with the law of contract. R.S.O. 1990, c. F.3, s. 56 (4).
HERE is the issue, you only have six months from the date of death [section 6(10) FLA] to file.
Again we are “guessing” on little information.
https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90f03#BK61
With all these info you gave me which I am very grateful for, I have only these questions in my mind, that if we(my children and I)were removed already from the will, with our valid marriage contract, do I have the right on anything that he had before he died? If everything or all his assets had been transferred to the children, therefore I don't t have anything to claim, or any right to ask for anything to claim as a surviving spouse, right?