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Intestacy Query

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Clare

Clare Report 18 Mar 2009 13:41

Hi Jonesey and Heather,
Thanks for your replies. I have tried the 192 site and found one possible in Milton Keynes where he was last heard of. I also then tried bt and my husband's relative is going to phone the person I found but thinks it is unlikely to be the correct one as he has a middle initial. I think I will place a post on the Trying to Find Section in the hope that someone in Milton Keynes may know him,
Cheers Clare

Heather

Heather Report 18 Mar 2009 13:22

If no will has been left - the person has died intestate and is single and without issue with no known relatives - the estate reverts to the government. The person who has died intestate will be listed on their site - Bona Vacantia - asking for anyone with a claim to contact them. These sites are perused by "genealogists" firms who will try to find beneficiaries and charge a fee for handling the claim.

If someone dies single with no issue and no will the estate goes first to parents, then grandparents. If there are none it will be divided amongs siblings or siblings of the parents. If the siblings have died then it will be divided in proportion to their children.

Married ins dont count Im afraid.

Those entitled persons found by a genealogist or who have made a claim will provide a family tree and certificates showing a line from the deceaseds grandparents to themselves to have their claim proved.

After a period of searching a genealogist and/or the solicitors handling a claim will administer the estate having paid for an insurance policy to cover any eventuality of someone, eg an illegitimate child turning up and making a claim after distribution of the estate.

Have a look at the site for further information.

http://www.bonavacantia.gov.uk/output/

Is there a time limit for making a claim?
In most cases the claim will become statute barred 12 years after the date that the administration of the estate is substantially completed. The Treasury Solicitor operates a discretionary policy whereby claims may be admitted up to 30 years from the date of death.

Clare

Clare Report 18 Mar 2009 13:08

Hi
I have been asked by my husband's relative to try and find a relative of his deceased wife's who is now the only person left to inherit from an uncle. Haven't had any success so was wondering if anyone knew what happens if you can't find the person known as next of kin. Do they have to be declared dead or missing after a certain length of time before you go on to try and trace previous generations' offspring? The "heir" concerned was last heard of in 2005.
Cheers Clare