15-2-613. SIMULTANEOUS DEATH — DISPOSITION OF PROPERTY. Subject to extension by the provisions of section 15-2-104 and section 15-2-601 of this code, where the title to property or the devolution thereof depends upon priority of death and there is no sufficient evidence that the persons have died otherwise than simultaneously, the property of each person shall be distributed as if he had survived, except as otherwise provided in this section.
(a) Where two (2) or more beneficiaries are designated to take successively by reason of survivorship under another person’s distribution of property and there is no sufficient evidence that these beneficiaries have died otherwise than simultaneously, the property thus disposed of shall be divided into as many equal portions as there are successive beneficiaries and these portions shall be distributed respectively to those who would have taken in the event that each designated beneficiary had survived.
(b) Where there is no sufficient evidence that two (2) joint tenants have died otherwise than simultaneously, the property so held shall be distributed one-half (1/2) as if one had survived and one-half (1/2) as if the other had survived. If there are more than two (2) joint tenants and all of them have so died, the property thus distributed shall be in the proportion that one bears to the whole number of joint tenants.
(c) Where the insured and the beneficiary in a policy of life or accident insurance have died and there is no sufficient evidence that they have died otherwise than simultaneously, the proceeds of the policy shall be distributed as if the insured had survived the beneficiary.
(d) This section shall not apply in the case of wills, living trusts, deeds, or contracts of insurance, wherein provision has been made for distribution of property different from the provisions of the section.
(e) This section shall be so construed and interpreted as to effectuate its general purpose to make uniform the law in those states which enact it.
(f) This section may be cited as the "uniform simultaneous death act."
History:
[I.C., sec. 15-2-613, as added by 1971, ch. 111, sec. 1, p. 233.]
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