Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 79.djvu/741

 79 STAT. ]

PUBLIC LAW 89-183-SEPT. 14, 1965

that the two have died otherwise than simultaneously, the beneficiary is deemed not to have survived. Where there is not sufficient evidence that two or more beneficiaries have died otherwise than simultaneously and property has been disposed of in such a way that at the time of their death each would have been entitled to the property if he had survived the others, the property shall be divided into as many equal portions as there were beneficiaries and these portions shall be distributed respectively to those who would have taken in the event that each of the beneficiaries had survived. § 19-503. Joint tenants or tenants by the entirety Where there is not sufficient evidence that two joint tenants or tenants by the entirety have died otherwise than simultaneously the property so held shall be distributed, or descend as the case may be, one-half as if one had survived and one-half as if the other had survived. Where there are more than two joint tenants and all have so died the property thus distributed or descended shall be in the proportion that one bears to the whole number of joint tenants. The term "joint tenants" includes owners of property held under circumstances which entitled one or more to the whole of the property on the death of the others. § 19-504. Insurance policies When the insured and the beneficiary in a policy of life or accident insurance have died and there is not 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. § 19-505. Chapter does not apply if decedent provides otherwise This chapter does not apply in the case of wills, living trusts, deeds, or contracts of insurance, or any other situation where provision is made for distribution of property different from the provisions of this chapter, or where provision is made for a presumption as to survivorship which results in a distribution of property different from that here provided. § 19-506. Short title; effective date; chapter not retroactive; construction (a) This chapter may be cited as the "District of Columbia Uniform Simultaneous Death Act". I t is in effect in the District of Columbia as of March 28, 1958, and it does not apply to the distribution of property of a person who died before that date. (b) Where there is a conflict or inconsistency between a provision of this chapter and other provisions of this Part or other law, the provision of this chapter controls. CHAPTER 7—ESCHEAT Sec.

19-701. Escheatment generally. § 19-701. Escheatment generally Where there is no surviving spouse or relations of the intestate within the fifth degree, reckoned by counting down from the common ancestor to the more remote, the surplus of real and personal property escheats to the District of Columbia to be used by the Commissioners of the District of Columbia for the benefit of the poor.

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