UK Unclaimed Estates and Probate Genealogy Explained

Since the BBC TV program Heir Hunters first aired in 2007, many Brits have dreamed of receiving that knock at the door. The program follows a firm of probate genealogists who search for the heirs of unclaimed estates. Imagine discovering that a distant relative has left you a small fortune. What would you spend the money on? Holidays, a new car, home improvements?

There are around 20,000 unclaimed estates in the UK at present, and a further 2,000 are added each year. In 2010, around £21m was paid out by the treasury to long-lost beneficiaries.

The Bona Vacantia (Vacant Goods list) gives details of deceased individuals who:

Did not make a will and there have been no attempts to claim the estateOr,Have made a will but the beneficiaries cannot be traced

Search the Bona Vacantia for Unclaimed Estates

This information is made publicly available by the Treasury solicitor; appointed by the Crown to handle the administration of unclaimed estates. Records can only be obtained from the 1 January 1997 onwards, when they were computerised.

They attempt to locate benefactors by searching records and putting adverts in local newspapers. However, if the estate is not claimed within 12 years, it becomes Crown property. Although, it is possible to make a claim for up to 30 years after the death occurred.

Specialist firms scour the Bona Vacantia list and go in search of the unsuspecting heirs, then receive a ‘finder’s fee,’ for their efforts. The work is very involved and searches often go back many generations or overseas trace the rightful heirs. This is always against the clock as they compete against other geology firms to be the first to find beneficiaries and receive their prize.

Who is entitled to make a claim?The laws of intestacy apply where the deceased did not make a will. This means that the Administration of Estates Act 1925 determines who can inherit. Only blood relatives can make a claim, which excludes step-relations and those related by marriage only. Brief details of those entitled to claim and the order of priority are provided below.

SpouseChildren – including adopted children who have the same rightsParentsBrothers and sisters and their offspringHalf Brothers and sisters and their offspringSurviving grandparentsAunts and UnclesHalf Aunts and Uncles

To claim, you need to submit a professional family tree that demonstrates your relationship to the deceased.

Where to start

The best place to start is by finding your family tree. Whilst researching, you may uncover new branches of your family. If you think you could be the last surviving relative of a great uncle, you can search the unclaimed estates list. If you’ve moved around a lot or lost touch with your family, it is quite possible you may have been named in a will but were not able to be traced. You can apply for a copy of any will from the probate office.

IWC provide a complete genealogy research service, from tracing wills to providing a complete family history package. As probate research specialists, we have access to a diverse array of historical archives; including probate records and wills.