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 estate Or, Have made a will but the beneficiaries cannot be traced 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. ...