“The Court of Missing Heirs”

“The Court of Missing Heirs”

The “Court of Missing Heirs” was a radio show on air from about 1937 to 1947 where they tried to “locate missing heirs” of unclaimed estates. Some of the cases solved by the program include:   Michael Cusack’s nephew  was located in regard to a $6,000 estate;  Myrtle Garvey Juranics, received $4,000 from the unclaimed estate of her husband; A son and daughter of Joseph J. Hoagland received $4,500 after his death. The above sums of money were substantial at the time and likely would have been sufficient to purchase a house in those days.

Locating “legal heirs” continues to be an issue on some estates and can occur today in a variety of situations, including when a deceased dies without having left a will, or leaving an imperfect or invalid will. The task of “identifying” and then “locating” missing heirs is often difficult and can land on a lawyer’s desk.  The task can become even more complicated when the potential “missing heirs” are outside of Canada. This frequently requires a lawyer with specific country experience to resolve the problem. As well, someone who has previously worked with trusted colleagues in other countries.

 


Thanks for reading!
James Jacuta

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