Another will question - missing or absent persons

[oblio]

Out of interest if a will leaves some money to a person who has had no contact with the deceased for some time and has moved houses several times, how much effort would an executor have to go in trying to contact the person being left the legacy?

Is it as simple as just putting a notice in a newspaper or do the executors have to show more effort?

Also, if the absent person isn't found, what would happen to their share of the legacy?

TIA

[Saleen836]

Would they not employ the services of something like 'Heir Hunters' ?

[paintman]

Internet web search site such as Google.. 'Tracing absent will beneficiaries' .
Any amount of legal professionals advice.
Will keep you amused for hours.

Random starter for 10:
https://wards.uk.com/news/executors-what-to-do-if-...

[llewop]

Same applies without a will if no obvious path to follow: a relative died some years back who was un-married, no children, no partner. So beneficiaries were siblings of his (dead) parents,(no siblings of his own) or descendants of the parents siblings. Catholic family so there were plenty to find. Some of whom needed searching for and in the end the pie was sliced up quite a few ways. I'm sure some of them didn't even know Bill existed.

[oblio]

Thanks all.

It seems as though "reasonable" steps have to be taken, after which the money can be dispersed (perhaps with some insurance/indemnity in lace in case a person turns up later).

Interesting stuff, thanks.