An Act relative to the elective share of surviving spouses

This bill updates Massachusetts inheritance laws to ensure surviving spouses receive a guaranteed portion of their deceased partner's assets. It establishes a standard elective share equal to 50 percent of the marital-property portion of the augmented estate, which includes both probate assets and certain nonprobate transfers like beneficiary designations. Additionally, the legislation provides a minimum supplemental amount of $75,000 if the spouse's total share falls below that threshold, payable from available estate funds. The text also clarifies how ownership is calculated for joint accounts and defines specific legal terms regarding powers of appointment and property contributions.