Consider the case of John Floyd as reported by Hemel Today in an article titled “Heir Hunt in Hemel!“
Floyd passed away at the age of 75 with a small fortune. The problem was that he was an intensely private man. He was an only child whose parents had passed away. No will was found. No one had any idea if he had any living relatives, let alone where any could be found. If relatives could not be found, then Floyd’s estate would go to the government.
A local lawyer, however, decided to conduct a search for Floyd’s relatives. After three years, the lawyer found 39 living relatives in the UK, Australia, the United States, and elsewhere in Europe. These relatives will each receive a portion of Floyd’s estate.
If there is a disturbing part of this story, it is that most of the relatives who will inherit Floyd’s assets never knew him. It is a real life long lost uncle story. Floyd might have preferred that his wealth went to people he knew, but because he did not have an estate plan that did not happen.
The lesson learned is to engage an experienced estate planning attorney who is required by law to keep your confidences and secrets. Consequently, you may maintain your privacy and have an estate plan designed to meet your specific wishes.
