How to fall into MONEY!!!

if their was not a contract drawn up, the developer owns the source code. IF they are dead, MIA, done, quit or whatever,,, then you are screwed. NOW you can take your chances...

I've been programming for 30 years. I have never given ownership rights to anyone I've done work for.

If a developer works for a company, the company owns the source code. If a developer signs a contract for "work for hire", the client owns the source code. If a client pays a developer to develop a web site (no contract), then the developer owns the source code.

By default, US copyright law does not transfer ownership rights to the client. Basically by default, the client has a license to use it, kinda like when you buy MS word. You do not own MS word, you have a license to use it.

SO be very careful changing someone else's source code.

later...
Pappy