Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Maine
Who is the 'estate' of a 21 year old murder victim?
My daughter's brother-in-law was recently murdered. He was 21 and had been living with her and her husband for the past 3 years.
He had no will or anything legal set up for in the event of his death.
I hate that this question needs to be asked, but who is entitled to his uncashed gov't checks that were issued before his death, but remained uncashed?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Who is the 'estate' of a 21 year old murder victim?
Maine statute sets forth who the heirs are if there is no Will. In the case of an unmarried person, the estate goes to his/her children, and if no children then to his/her parents. Assuming that the murderer is not one of the heirs. If that is the case, the estate "skips" the murderer.