Inheritance After Suicide

[cecil39]

I heard this being discussed recently, that if a person commits suicide no one can inherit their estate, but it goes to the government instead, I don't believe it, but am puzzled as to why some folk do, has it ever been he case?

[sandyRoe]

Were gambling debts not beyond the purview of the courts?

[chelle7272]

Peter suicide used to be excluded from life insurance policies, not sure if its still the case now

[boxtops]

It certainly used to be an exclusion, then it would avoid people killing themselves to help their families out of financial situations.

[Peter Pedant]

.

I thought gambling debts were not enforceable - you couldnt go to court over them - which is why you have to pay up front to gamble.

Not that I do that - shudder shudder.....eyelids flicker disapprovingly

[hc4361]

That changed in September, 2007, Peter, and gambling debts are now legally enforceable

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/manuals/ihtmanual/ihtm28130.htm

[sandyRoe]

I suppose McCardie valued his good name more than his life. I wonder if he would have gone to the gun room with a bottle of whiskey and his service revolver if he'd know he would go down in history as a fool?

[Peter Pedant]

Thanks hc - the politicians will do anything if they are paid....

I cant bear it whenthe law changes and leaves me behind

[hc4361]

You need to keep up with the law journals, Peter.