Land ownership

Stylo · May 6, 2009

Hi,

I'm after some advice regarding UK land ownership - this is a tricky one so I won't hold my breath!

If a person owned some land but disappeared for many years and was presumed dead, when would the land be legally owned by the next of kin?

And if the person in question then reappeared after ownership had been passed onto their next of kin, would they have a legal right to claim back the land?

girlyswot · May 6, 2009

Yes, in general if someone disappears they can be declared presumed dead (I think 7 years, but check) and their estate can be claimed by the next of kin (or those named in a will). And yes, the original owner could claim it back if they return and prove their identity.

You should check the details with an inheritance lawyer because these kinds of cases can be very complex. And it's possible that the law has changed over time so it may also depend when your story is set.

girlyswot · May 6, 2009

This looks like quite a useful page.

Stylo · May 6, 2009

Thank-you girly swot for info and link!

Land ownership

Stylo

wall gazer extraordinaire

girlyswot

girlyswot

Stylo

wall gazer extraordinaire