Tracing beneficiaries

Perdusys1955

My husbands father was left a bequest in a will in 1975, but he had deserted the family years before and as far as we know, has never been traced since.  We have been compiling a family tree for some years, and have never been able to find a record of his death, only his birth in 1919 and his marriage. The bequest came to light during our investigations.
What would have happened to the bequest, it was a cash sum of £750, if he had not been found? 
We have a copy of the will, Nat West Bank and a relative are named as co-executors on the grant of probate.  We know that the relative tried to trace him before his Aunt's death when he applied to become her receiver prior to her death on account of her failing health. MIL had no idea where he was and told them that.

Marcon

Perdusys1955 said:

My husbands father was left a bequest in a will in 1975, but he had deserted the family years before and as far as we know, has never been traced since.  We have been compiling a family tree for some years, and have never been able to find a record of his death, only his birth in 1919 and his marriage. The bequest came to light during our investigations.
What would have happened to the bequest, it was a cash sum of £750, if he had not been found? 
We have a copy of the will, Nat West Bank and a relative are named as co-executors on the grant of probate.  We know that the relative tried to trace him before his Aunt's death when he applied to become her receiver prior to her death on account of her failing health. MIL had no idea where he was and told them that.

As good a description as any: https://www.co-oplegalservices.co.uk/media-centre/articles-jan-apr-2017/what-happens-if-a-beneficiary-cant-be-found/

Perdusys1955

Thanks, that does explain somewhat what they would have had to do.  Under these circumstances, if the money had been held, would his decendents become entitled to the funds, or would the bequest have ceased with the named beneficiary?  

Kynthia

Perdusys1955 said:

Thanks, that does explain somewhat what they would have had to do.  Under these circumstances, if the money had been held, would his decendents become entitled to the funds, or would the bequest have ceased with the named beneficiary?  

I think that is determined in the will. It could say either of those options.