Q&A: The Rightful Heirs in a Belated Distribution

Q. My grandfather passed away in 1989. He was survived by his wife and six children. The inheritance was never sorted out. A few years later, his wife and two daughters passed away.

My question is: should the inheritance be calculated and shares given as per after my grandfather’s death (when his wife and six children were alive), or only amongst those alive today (four children and no wife)?

A. When a person passes away all his assets are transferred to his inheritors. All those living at the time of their family member passing away inherit. If the estate was not wound up and only after some time – a few months or years – the distribution of the inheritance was effected then all the inheritors at the time of the mayyit’s death will inherit or their respective heirs if the original heirs also passed away.