180 Birmingham Families Could Be Heirs to Unclaimed Estates, Study Reveals
New data from the Government's unclaimed estates list has uncovered a significant opportunity for local families in Birmingham. A recent analysis by law firm Bretherton indicates that 180 estates across the city currently lack a rightful heir, potentially leaving many residents unaware of their entitlement to unclaimed inheritances.
What Are Unclaimed Estates?
An unclaimed estate, known legally as Bona Vacantia, occurs when no entitled relatives can be identified or traced after someone passes away. In such cases, the property passes to the Crown as ownerless assets. This situation often arises when no will is left or when known heirs do not come forward to claim their inheritance.
How to Check for Eligibility
Residents are encouraged to take proactive steps to explore potential claims:
- Check the Bona Vacantia List: Visit the UK government's unclaimed estate list, which is updated daily. You can search by surname using Ctrl-F to see if any estates relate to your family.
- Act Quickly: Time limits apply, with claims generally needing to be made within 12 years, or up to 30 years in some cases, from the date the estate was reported. Prompt action increases chances of success and prevents the estate from being absorbed by the Crown.
Seek Legal Guidance
The process of claiming an estate can be complex and overwhelming. Brethertons' specialists in wills, trusts, and probate can assist by verifying entitlement, guiding through legal requirements, and supporting formal claims.
Laura Stuart, Wills, Capacity, Trusts and Probate Partner at Brethertons, emphasized the importance of this issue: "Understanding who may be entitled to an unclaimed estate is crucial not only for individuals seeking rightful inheritance but also for ensuring estates are passed on according to law. Across England and Wales, many estates go unclaimed annually, often due to missing wills or unknown heirs. At Brethertons, we're highlighting unclaimed estates in our regions to raise awareness and encourage people to check for family connections that could lead to a forgotten inheritance."
This revelation underscores a broader trend of unclaimed assets in the UK, with Birmingham residents urged to explore their potential claims to avoid missing out on significant inheritances.
