Wills and Death

lets say someone disappeared for years and is now declared dead and all their possessions in their will have gone out to the heirs, although a couple of years later they come back.Is it possible for them to reclaim their possessions through legal means?

Reply 1

Surnia

Depends where in the world it has happened. They can try legal means, but not every court obliges the heirs to return anything and especially when it's a long period after an individual being declared dead in absentia.

Reply 2

Zarek

I imagine once your declared dead the will stands even if you pop up again later. It wouldn’t be fair nor indeed practical for the executor to ask for all the bequests back. Hopefully there is a bit of care taken when declaring someone dead and this situation doesn’t arise so often. Maybe a few of the relatives would be happy enough to see them back to return a few bits and pieces

Reply 3

hotpud

Original post by liaho

No doubt you can share out their "stuff" but you won't be able to get hold of their assets in banks or house without a death certificate. You can however apply for a Presumption of Death certificate through the courts
https://www.missingpeople.org.uk/get-help/help-services/practical-help/presumption-of-death/england-and-wales

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