When a wealthy New Jersey couple was pulled out of their burning home last September and discovered to both have severe stab wounds, questions were immediately asked about the circumstances of their deaths. Now, there are questions about their estates, as well.
On September 28, 2014, John P. Sheridan and Joyce Sheridan were pulled out of their New Jersey home. Both had severe stab wounds. Mr. Sheridan was pronounced dead at the scene, while Mrs. Sheridan died shortly thereafter in the hospital. Mrs. Sheridan’s cause of death is officially listed as a homicide. However, Mr. Sheridan’s death is listed as pending investigation. Authorities still are not sure what happened that night.
Now, as reported by The Inquirer, in an article titled “Sheridan son no longer seeking to handle parents’ estate,” one of their sons has removed his name as a being a candidate to administer the estate.
No reason was given for the removal.
The estate is believe to be valued at around $2 million. Curiously, no will or other estate planning documents have been found.
This case is worth monitoring not only to discover what transpired on the night the Sheridans passed away, but also to see if any will is ever found. It would be unusual for such wealthy people to have no estate plan at all, but it is not unheard of.
If no estate plan is found, then the laws of intestate succession will determine how the estate is distributed.
Please contact our office today at 239-225-7911 to schedule an appointment with Barbara M. Pizzolato if you are interested in protecting your legacy and need to create or update your estate plan. You may also wish to attend one of our free seminars.
Reference: The Inquirer (December 11, 2014) “Sheridan son no longer seeking to handle parents’ estate”
