That was low and dirty. Someone like Steve Fossett would have varied and extensive interests which are in limbo until the issue is resolved. She is well fixed for money and a declaration of his death is probably the last thing she wants.
The “?” in jdm’s post indicated to me that it was simply a question. It depends in the family as to whom controlled the family funds, perhaps Steve and the ages old adage about “Life Goes On”. The need for closure isn’t just the need to know for certain what happened, but also for the survivors to be able to get on with life. The loss of a loved one is bad enough without the loss of ability to proceed with living as well.