Wills

[Bazile]

If someone dies without making a will , how long before it goes unto the government register and these heir hunters get involved ?

[Barmaid]

It is impossible to determine. Some deaths are very quickly reported to the Bona Vacantia division (often by the local Council). Others can take some time - sometimes years. It really depends on what assets there are and what is known about the deceased.

Not all cases without a Will end up at BV since very often there are relatives who will take on intestacy. It is only those without known relatives where this is likely to happen.

[Bazile]

Thanks

1.That list that is published - Can Joe Bloggs access it ?

2. Once the list is published ,how long before it goes into the government coffers , if no one deals with it ?

[woofgang]

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/unclaimed-estates-list

[Barmaid]

Generally the estate is administered and it is paid into the gov (or Duchy of Lancaster) as soon as it is administered. However, those who are entitled to claim can make a claim up to 12 years from the date it was administered. If the death was before 1997, they will admit claims for up to 30 years.

[Peter Pedant]

thank you barmaid

[Bazile]

Thanks

[Barmaid]

I just had a quick look at the BV list dated yesterday. I found one death from mid March 2021. So no time at all really.

[Bazile]

Have you got a link to the site please .

Is it the same as in the link in woofgang's post ?- because it doesn't allow you to download