If an elderly person became a “ward of the state,” does the family have a claim to the “unclaimed property” listed?

If an elderly person became a “ward of the state,” does the family have a claim to the “unclaimed property” listed?

My great-grandfather (before I was born) was taken care of by my grandmother. He got alzheimer’s and my grandmother wanted to get him full-time care in a home. Her siblings objected, and they went to court for guardianship. He became a “ward of the state,” and all of his property was given to the state. His name now appears on the “Unclaimed Property” website. Since he was a ward of the state, do we, the family, have any claim to the property? As far as we know, there was not a Will. He and my grandparents and her siblings are deceased.

Asked on June 26, 2012 under Estate Planning, Maryland

Answers:

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