In re Volkmar

DREIER, J. S. C.

The novel issue presented by these three cases is whether the State may be reimbursed for its costs and legal fees incurred in (1) setting up and administering conservatorships1 of the assets *514of an intestate decedent’s estate and (2) conducting inquiries that lead to the discovery and location of next-of-kin in preliminary escheat proceedings.

The real and personal property of a person who dies intestate and without any next-of-kin escheats to the State. N.J.S.A. 2A:37-1 et seq.; Kugler v. Schaedel, 120 N.J.Super. 21, 24 (App.Div.1972). Concurrent with the Attorney General’s…