Death with No Will or Next of Kin

[sofarfrome]

My question involves estate proceedings in the state of: New York

A dear friend passed away yesterday and he left no will. His only family was a very close knit group of friends. He was retired from the DEC and living in a home he purchased about 10 years ago. He also is a Vietnam Vet. No one knows who the beneficaries of his insurance or 401K are as when I call the NYS HR system they keep asking if I am next of kin or executor of the estate then refer me on to another number. I am going to call the VA today to see what if any benefits they offer for him. Since I am not next of kin (all relatives are dead) or executor of his estate what are my options here? I don't want to see his estate go to the state of NY.

Thanks,

J

[jk]

Since I am not next of kin (all relatives are dead) or executor of his estate what are my options here? I don't want to see his estate go to the state of NY.

Thanks,

J

doesn't sound like you have a choice. If there are actually no blood relatives, the estate, by law, does es cheat to the state. If your friend wanted something different, he should have made a will.

the 401k etc will go to the named beneficiary(s).