Inheritance in the Wizarding World

[Robert Jones]

No: HPFGUIDX 95940

The discussion of Sirius as Harry's godfather brings up the issue of 
inheritance.  It has been discussed before without any consensus.  
Here are a bunch of issues.

(1) Once Sirius was convicted, would his property be forfeited to 
the state (if they could find it)?  Obviously they haven't found 
Black manor at Grimmauld Place or his vault at Gringotts.  I don't 
happen to know the state of British law today, but the Salem witch 
trials were governed by British law, and there those convicted and 
executed had to forfeit at least their personal property (not their 
real estate) to the town.

(2) Now that Sirius is dead (yes he's dead), who inherits?  Did he 
leave a will and is it enforceable after he was convicted?  If he 
didn't leave a will, why would Harry be next in line?  Does a godson 
inherit rather than a blood relative like a cousin, or nobody?  Is 
Sirius officially appointed "guardian" and does this make a 
difference?

(3) Does the wizarding world have its own laws of inheritance or do 
British muggle laws apply?

(4) Who gets Kreacher? (What would Hermione do if Harry is stuck 
with him?)

(5) Who gets Black manor (if they can find it)?  Even if Sirius left 
it to the Order, could they still use it as a safe house since 
Kreacher has probably told the Malfoys about it?  Or would other 
members of the family still need a charm to find it and to get in?

(6) Also, does the Ministry know that Sirius is dead?  In the OOTP, 
only the Order knows it.  If the wizarding community doesn't know, 
no laws of inheritance would kick in since they would think he is 
still alive.