The State's Right to Inherit

When will the state be regarded as a legal heir?

 

When the deceased did not leave a spouse or blood relative or adopted child.

What use can the state make of an estate it inherits under law?

 

Educational, scientific, health and welfare uses, but the treasury has the power and discretion to divide the estate, or make lump sum or regular payments from it, to an individual, association or relative who is not an heir according to law.

What's the legal position when it is not clear whether the deceased left heirs according to law?

 

Where there is a doubt about whether the deceased left legal heirs, the state is not entitled to inherit. It can only inherit when the deceased did not leave any heirs according to the three circles of relatives listed in the Inheritance Act of 1965.

Where the deceased died without leaving heirs and the State of Israel inherits, can someone who helped the deceased get some money from his estate after all?

 

This is possible as under the Inheritance Law , where the state inherits, it has discretion to make lump sum or regular payments to someone who supported the deceased – or even his/her family.