It is entirely possible to do so. But there are time limits that the gifts have to be given at least 2 years prior to death, otherwise the executor can call the assets back to the estate.
As long as the inheritance is kept separate and apart from the marital assets, an inheritance by one spouse is considered the sole property of the inheriting spouse in an equitable distribution state. If the inheritance is devoted to the so-called "marital pot" by co-mingling it with other assets, it loses its separate identity and becomes just another asset of the marriage subject to equitable distribution.
Medicare does not "means test" one's income or assets. However, Medicaid does.
Your inheritance is typically determined by the will of the deceased person. They may specify in their will who will receive their assets and how they will be distributed. If there is no will, the laws of the jurisdiction in which the deceased person lived will determine how the inheritance is allocated among their heirs.
If there is a will, the will be followed. In the event that a will has not been made, assets are passed equally among children, parents, siblings, spouse, and grandparents, if no relatives are found, the assets go to the state.
In general, no. First, North Carolina is not a community property state. Second, in general, inheritance remains separate property, even in community property states, unless the inheriting spouse commingles the assets (mixes the inheritance in with community assets; for example, deposits the money into a joint checking account).
The state will open the estate. The assets will go into a trust for the use of the children. The state will appoint a trustee for the assets and a guardian for the children. They may be the same person.
If your wife inherited her assets before you all got married then you are not entitled to them. If she got it after you all got married, the law is determined by your state.
The date of valuation is determined by the executor. The rules allow them to choose a date for the value. They have to state the date and use it for all the assets.
South Carolina does not have an inheritance tax, so the answer is 'zero'. But if the person leaving you an inheritance had this money in another State or nation and was subject to taxation there, that other state or nation may impose inheritance tax if it has it. US Federal taxes will only apply for estates worth well over $ 5 million.
Contact the probate court in the state and county where the deceased person resided for assistance. After probate for an estate has been concluded the information including the Will becomes public record. Executors, executrixs, administrators of estates must contact all the persons named in a Will or who are included in a share of the assets or property by probate succession laws. If the person cannot be found then their share of assets or property will be held for the time required under the state probate laws.
states cannot impose taxes on a person's income and inheritance.
You can apply to the estate for your money. If there are no assets in the estate, you aren't going to be successful. Consult an attorney in your jurisdiction for help.