Determination of Heirship
Determination of Heirship
When someone dies without a will, or when questions arise about who qualifies as a legal heir, Missouri courts can conduct a determination of heirship proceeding to formally establish who is entitled to inherit. O’Gorman and Sandroni handle these proceedings for families throughout the St. Louis area.
When a Determination of Heirship Is Needed
This proceeding becomes necessary when a person dies intestate and their family situation is complicated by circumstances such as unknown or estranged relatives, questions of paternity, or property held for many years without formal transfer.
The Proceeding Itself
A determination of heirship typically requires notice to all potential heirs, presentation of evidence establishing family relationships, and a court order identifying the legal heirs entitled to inherit the estate’s assets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Missouri procedure allows for notice by publication when an heir cannot be found after a diligent search, allowing the proceeding to move forward while still protecting that heir’s potential rights.
No, it can apply to any probate asset, though it is frequently used to clear title to real property when ownership was never formally transferred through probate.
Since 1985 Sean O’Gorman and Andrew Sandroni have been representing clients in all areas of the law. O’Gorman & Sandroni, P.C. was founded in 1989 on the principles of honesty, integrity, and the aggressive pursuit of our client’s goals.