Genealogy Chat

Thank you for the links,I have found the name on the list :-)

This is only my way of looking at it.....................and not intended to suggest that others should be of the same mind, but.............

If I was unaware of a possible legacy, and a company such as this had expended time, effort, and hard cash to try to prove my entitlement, I'd find it very difficult to tell them that I wanted to 'go it alone', and deprive them of their 'cut'...............

The company I am talking about do already have the death certificate, they also have the marriage cert which lists my relative as the spouse. They have done their homework. Ive looked into the company and they seem to be legitimate. Just would like to investigate further. interestingly, my relation rang earlier asking for more info - place of death so that I can order the death cert - they haven't rang back yet :-/

Any probate research company that asks you to get copies of births marriages or death cert's is to be avoided like the plague,

How did they find possible heirs without them already having the relevant certs?

Roy

To reduce the risk of fraudulent claims they don't give the value of an estate untill heirs are found and an application is made

for guidance see https://www.gov.uk/make-a-claim-to-a-deceased-persons-estate

The list of unclaimed estates can be found on this link

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

Similar situation

Have just seen my son who has asked me what some friends of his should do next.

In late 2012 they were contacted by a firm of Commercial Investigators by letter who say that if his wife was related to the deceased (name given) she would be entitled to a share of his unclaimed estate.

They mentioned that they did not deal with anything under £30,000 and their fee was 30% they enclosed a couple of forms to be completed and returned.

They were asked to get copies of the birth and death certificates to proceed further.

Before sending the certificates they tried contacting the firm (last year)several times without success.

Son has since discovered they ceased trading but have set up again under a different name but with the same directors :-0

They do not want to deal with this company again and they are not genealogists

Are they able to find out the value of the estate before proceeding further ? :-S

Yes Reggie, I did think that about costs.
My relative is the spouse (separated but not divorced) of the deceased. They were initially contacted as there are children from the marriage as it was assumed that there had been a divorce. Its pretty clean cut according to the law I believe

Yes, if it's genuine, they will be hoping to sign up the beneficiary, and claim a percentage.

However,bear in mind how much it could cost your relative to pursue the claim independently...............

Weigh up the options................

Is the deceased person's name one which is known to your relative?

Presumably, you know the name of the company doing the research..........have you checked them out?

Not on there Reggie. Spoke to them who said it isn't a complete list.

In that case, look at the Bona Vacantia list

Obviously if it is true and not a scam.

Reggie. Thanks I will take a look.
A family member has been contacted by a company who specialise in tracing beneficiaries. She would be the beneficiary if the person who they are saying, has in fact died. They only gave year of death, but did confirm the deceased persons dob and marriage - obviously easily obtained online.
im trying to investigate further, to confirm the information. Family member is waiting for them to call back, but not sure how much info they will give out - would imagine that they are after a % of the estate.

Another site

http://www.family-announcements.co.uk/

Why do you think the death was in 2010?

have done Jax. Thank you

Have you tried googling the name followed by iannounce to see if there is an obituary?

Thankyou Roy.

Upto date indexes are available to view in person at the following locations

Library of Birmingham
Bridgend Reference and Information Library
City of Westminster Archives Centre
Newcastle City Library
Plymouth Central Library
The British Library


Roy

Where can I look - Is there somewhere to look for a death record from 2010. Area is not known and I cannot (100%) find on the electoral role to give an idea.
Many thanks.