Can a person take things from a deceased loved one if there is no will
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Can a person take things from a deceased loved one if there is no will
Hello I have a question. My sister in law
passed away and her best friend took her book
from the funeral home along with memorial
cards and money. There is no will at all. Can
she do that especially there is no will
Asked on August 20, 2019 under Estate Planning, Florida
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 4 years ago | Contributor
No, that is theft. The deceased's property belongs to her "estate" until it is properly distributed according to a will (if there is one) or the laws for intestate succession (who gets what when there is no will--which never includes a friends; friends only inherit if there is a will leaving them something); after it is distributed, it belongs to whomever inherits. The deceased's possessions or money are never up for grabs by a friend. You could report this to the police if she will not voluntarily return the money and items.
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