Wattles v. Plotts

The opinion of the Court was delivered by

POLLOCK, J.

Twenty-six years ago we condemned the business of “heir hunting” as having “no social value.” Bron v. Weintraub, 42 N.J. 87, 95, 199 A. 2d 625 (1964). The Legislature has since characterized heir hunting as a “questionable scheme” operated by “intermeddlers,” an “iniquitous practice,” and as a “ ‘racket.’ ” See infra at 450-451, 577 A.2d at 135-136; Statement Accompanying Sen. No. 291, L.1967, c. 149. This case presents a variation on the Bron theme.

Plaintiff, Gordon Wattles, instituted an action to foreclose a tax-sale certificate on a…