Q: A man died in Pahrump, found by roommate of 20 yrs. No will or trust found. Family notified by county admin but deceased
told many people including his CPA of 15 yrs that he didn't want his stuff going to family he disowned 30 yrs prior. Roommate is listed as beneficiary on at least one bank account. Can he and friends contest the probated estate going to his family? Roommate has also been locked out of the home they shared and the mailbox.
A: As to property with a payable on death beneficiary, that property will go to the payable on death beneficiary. As to all other property it will go the closest relative(s) who are related by blood. The Decedent could have disowned his family in a properly executed Will but in the absence of a Will, the Decedent's oral wishes are not going to control. At least that is the traditional law.
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