Frequently Asked Questions on Unclaimed Estates
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions the Unclaimed Estates team get asked. If we have not answered your questions below contact one of our genealogists who will assist with your enquiry.
Q. How do I find Unclaimed Estates or money?
A. One way to find Unclaimed Estates you may be entitled to is to use our Estates Search facility. Enter surnames, or locations into the search to find anyone who may be related to you. If there is an estate listed you believe you are entitled relative to, either research your entitlement or contact one of our specialist genealogists who can investigate your case to Unclaimed Inheritance.
Q. What do I do if I think I am entitled to an Unclaimed Estate?
A. Firstly are you sure? - Check your facts! Does the deceased's name, date of death, place of death and all other facts listed match what you know about your family tree? Any claim on an estate must be backed up with supporting documentation. You must not only prove that you are a relative of the deceased, but you must also prove that there are no other beneficiaries that have a greater claim on the estate than you. If you genuinely believe you have a legitimate claim you can contact the Treasury directly or contact a member of our team to start your claim.
Q. What is an Unclaimed Estate?
Unclaimed Estates occur when a person dies with no known or alive relatives, or without making a will. As there is no person(s) immediately available to inherit their belongings, monies and properties these pass to the crown until a rightful heir can be found. Learn more on what happens to Unclaimed Estates in our latest news.
Q. Who is entitled to Unclaimed Estates?
There is a hierarchy of entitlement to claim against an Unclaimed Estate in the UK. Starting with civil partners and moving through relatives including parents and children. Learn more on who is entitled to Unclaimed Inheritance.
Q. How do I prove I have a claim?
A. To be entitled to inherit you must prove that you are the deceased's next of kin or one of their next of kin. The treasury has a diagram of entitled relatives here. Remember though that even if you are a blood relative there may be more closely related kin or there could be a number of people with an equal claim. The relevant branches of the deceased's family tree must be researched to prove who is entitled to inherit. This will involve obtaining birth, death and marriages certificates and any other supporting documentation. You may wish to use the services of a professional probate genealogist to support and submit your claim for you.
Q. How much will I get if I am entitled?
A. Unless the value of an estate is published then you will not know how much you are entitled to inherit. If there are other relatives with an equal claim on the estate then it will be shared amongst them so the amount you will receive may not be the full value of the estate.
Q. Where can I find more information on Unclaimed Estates?
A. More information on how Unclaimed Estates become available, how to claim or what you may be entitled to are available in our latest news section. Alternatively, contact a member of our genealogy team who will be happy to help with your queries.
Q. How can I research my family tree?
A. Tracing your family tree can be fascinating and fun and there are lots of resources available to help you with your research. Take a look at our resources page for more helpful links.