From Sydney to Paris, NSW Trustee & Guardian has successfully searched the globe to track down the rightful recipients of a $1.4 million inheritance.
When Marcel* died in 2018, he didn't have a Will. Having developed dementia, mementos he had kept over the years were the first clues to tracking down his family for NSW Trustee & Guardian researchers.
The NSW government agency has a small, dedicated team of genealogy researchers who have found over 500 people from across the globe in the past 12-months alone.
In Marcel's case, their family tree search went as far as Paris before the team discovered eight nieces and nephews living in Queensland and Victoria. Years after losing contact, the family were shocked to learn that they would share in the $1.4 million inheritance.
When a person dies without a valid Will, they are said to have died intestate. Administrators of intestate estates in NSW, such as NSW Trustee & Guardian, are required by NSW law to prove who are the rightful recipients of the estate. They must collate evidence and follow a strict family order set by the Succession Act 2006. "This involves tracking down people entitled to assets such as real estate, money in bank accounts, superannuation or other investments," said NSW Trustee & Guardian Director of Legal and Professional Services, Ruth Pollard.
Ms Pollard says Marcel's story reminds the community of the importance of having a Will.
"Marcel's story demonstrates the lengths we go to, to find who is rightfully entitled to an estate. However, things can be much simpler and quicker if you have a Will," said Ms Pollard.
"No one knows what life will bring, so it's really important to have peace of mind that your wishes are respected, and your loved ones are taken care of when you die."
The number one Will-maker in NSW, NSW Trustee & Guardian has professional, accredited Will-makers located across the state. They also offer video conferencing appointments.
