Newton County v. West

Robert H. Dudley, Justice.

The primary issue in this case is whether the decedent’s estate escheated to the State of Arkansas or to the County of Newton. We affirm the probate judge’s ruling that the property went to the State.

This is the fourth appeal involving this estate. See Newton County v. West, 288 Ark. 432, 705 S.W.2d 887 (1986); Newton County v. Davison, 289 Ark. 109, 709 S.W.2d 810 (1986); and Adams v. West, 293 Ark. 192, 736 S.W.2d 4 (1987). The facts necessary to an understanding of the primary issue now on appeal are simple. Sue Morak died intestate and without heirs in Newton…