Do I have a legal right to file a claim on unclaimed money regarding my deceased grandmother?
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Do I have a legal right to file a claim on unclaimed money regarding my deceased grandmother?
My grandmother died 16 years ago. Her Will was executed per her wishes. I was left $5000. The balance of her estate was left to various religious organizations that she belonged to. Now there has been an account reported to the state comptrolle’sr office as unclaimed money in her name. Do I have a legal right to file claim on that or because I have already recieved my inheritance does it go to the various organiztions?
Asked on August 24, 2010 under Estate Planning, Florida
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
Even if you attempted to claim the money it would be issued in her name and not yours. How would you cash the check? Why is it in her name in the first place? Wasn't it distributed by the executor? You need to contact the executor of the estate and advise him or her of this little discrepancy, which is really a big discrepancy. The executor has to contact the beneficiary of the estate as to the money and then collect the money on behalf of the estate and reissue a check. That is really the proper way to proceed here. Everything needs to go through the estate. Good luck.
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