Can long-distance relatives have a claim to an inheritance?

Yes, this is possible. You've just found out that you're a beneficiary in a will. As the executor of the estate, you know it's your job to ensure that the estate is settled properly—but there's a problem. One of the beneficiaries claims she's your long-lost cousin, even though you're sure that you've never met her before. She says she has a claim to an inheritance because she's related to one of the deceased's heirs.

Can this really happen? It may be surprising, but long-distance relatives do have some legal rights to inherit an estate. It's usually only in situations where family members live far away and haven't been close with one another for their entire lives, though it can become important in cases where there are no other beneficiaries or when family members who are eligible aren't able to match up with any of the potential heirs they find. Here's what you need to know about distant relatives' claims on an inheritance:

The most common scenario when distant relatives have a claim is when someone dies without leaving a will at all. In states with laws that require people to have wills in order to die "intestate," distant relatives are sometimes able to make claims on the estate if they can prove they have familial ties with one of the deceased. When you need legal help with an inheritance in Utah, call this law firm for a free consultation:

Parklin Law LLC

5772 West 8030 South, Unit N206

West Jordan, UT 84081

(801) 618-0699

https://parklinlaw.com/utah-estate-planning-law-firm/ 



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