The “Laughing Heirs” in Missouri: What Happens When Remote Relatives Inherit?

Estate planning often focuses on spouses, children, and grandchildren. But what happens when someone dies without a will and without any close relatives? This is where the concept of “laughing heirs” comes into play.

What Is a Laughing Heir?

A “laughing heir” is a distant relative who inherits from someone they barely knew—or may not have known at all. The term comes from the idea that such heirs might “laugh” all the way to the bank because they are receiving an unexpected inheritance rather than suffering a personal loss.

For example, imagine a person dies with no spouse, children, parents, or siblings. Missouri law looks further down the family tree—to nieces, nephews, cousins, and beyond—until it finds the next eligible heir. Sometimes these heirs are so far removed that they didn’t even know the deceased.

Missouri’s Approach to Intestate Succession

When someone dies without a valid will, Missouri’s intestacy statutes (RSMo § 474.010) determine who inherits. The order typically looks like this:

1. Spouse and descendants (children, grandchildren)
2. Parents, siblings, and their descendants (nieces, nephews)
3. Grandparents and their descendants (aunts, uncles, cousins)
4. Great-grandparents and their descendants

Missouri does not have a “laughing heir statute” that cuts off inheritance rights at a certain degree of kinship. Instead, the state continues searching through increasingly distant relatives. This means that even very remote heirs—perhaps a third cousin twice removed—could legally inherit if no closer relatives exist.

What Happens If No Heirs Are Found?

If absolutely no heirs can be located, the estate will “escheat,” meaning the assets transfer to the State of Missouri. However, because Missouri law allows inheritance through such remote relatives, true escheatment is relatively rare.

Why This Matters in Estate Planning

Relying on intestacy laws to handle your estate can produce surprising results. Do you really want distant relatives you’ve never met inheriting your property? Or worse, the State?

Creating a valid will or trust ensures that your assets go where you want them to go—whether that’s family, friends, or charitable causes.

Final Thoughts

The concept of “laughing heirs” highlights why estate planning is essential. Missouri’s laws reach far into the family tree before cutting off inheritance, which may not align with your personal wishes. If avoiding “laughing heirs” inheriting your estate is important to you, proactive planning is the best solution. Finder Law, LLC has extensive experience preparing personalized estate plans that ensure your wishes are accomplished.

We offer free estate planning consultations, so call our office today to start creating your plan today!