Notice to unknown kin or heirs at law

§ 18–503. Notice to unknown kin or heirs at law (a) When it appears to the satisfaction of the court that all or any of the next of kin or heirs at law of the deceased are unknown, they may be proceeded against and described in the publication of notice provided for by section 18–502(b) as “the unknown next of kin,” 79 Stat. 691or “the unknown heirs at law,” as the case may be, of the deceased, and the publication of the notice under that designation is as effectual against them as if known and their names were specifically set forth in the order of publication. (b) If a will was admitted to probate prior to June 30, 1902, upon publication against unknown next of kin or heirs, a person interested may file a petition for further probate of the will, alleging that the next of kin or heirs at law of the deceased, or some of them, as the case may be, are unknown, and upon satisfactory showing being made to the court publication of notice may be made against the unknown next of kin or heirs at law of the deceased. Upon the publication being made, as required by the court, a decree may be made confirming the previous probate. The decree is as effectual as if the unknown next of kin or heirs at law were named in the order of publication.