{"id":3574,"date":"2021-06-29T14:14:57","date_gmt":"2021-06-29T21:14:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.missingheir.com\/?p=3574"},"modified":"2021-07-12T14:23:19","modified_gmt":"2021-07-12T21:23:19","slug":"who-is-entitled-to-unclaimed-estates","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.missingheir.com\/who-is-entitled-to-unclaimed-estates\/","title":{"rendered":"Who is Entitled to an Unclaimed Estate?"},"content":{"rendered":"

In an ideal setting, when someone passes away, their property will pass to heirs and beneficiaries in accordance with a last will and testament, trust, or other testamentary instrument. Unfortunately, many people do not execute a will prior to their passing. State law, which is in many jurisdictions referred to as a Descent and Distribution statute, dictates what happens to the estate of a decedent when no will is in place (when someone dies \u201cintestate\u201d). Matters can become even more complicated when no legal heir can be located. Continue reading to learn how the state manages intestate succession and what happens when no heirs are around to claim an estate. Reach out to a dedicated forensic genealogist<\/a> for help identifying the proper heirs to an estate. <\/p>\n

The Order of Distribution for Assets: Intestate Succession<\/h2>\n

When someone dies, the executor of the estate (and, where necessary, a probate court) will do their best to execute the wishes of the decedent in accordance with their will or other testamentary instrument. If no valid will is in place, then state law dictates what happens to the decedent\u2019s estate.<\/p>\n

State laws vary on the particulars, but every state has in place a set of rules for \u201cintestate succession.\u201d Typically, the structure will be as follows:<\/p>\n