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17th May 2024
03:27pm BST
A database of unclaimed estates, Unclaimedestates.ie, tracks Irish people who have passed away without leaving a will.
It contains over 300 names among which could be a deceased Irish relative whose estate remains unclaimed.
The people listed are Irish-born men and women who have died in England and Wales since 1997.
In these cases, authorities were unable to identify their next of kin, leaving the deceased's estate - comprising money and property - unclaimed and un-transferred.
When a person dies without a valid will, their estate is distributed according to a specific hierarchy:
The Bona Vacantia Division administers these unclaimed estates in England and Wales.
Members of the Irish public can submit a claim if they believe a relative is on the list.
However, claims must be made within certain time limits: within 12 years of the estate's administration completion, and no more than 30 years after the death of the deceased.
Claims can be made for up to 30 years post-death, but no interest is paid on the money.
Each estate managed by the Bona Vacantia Division is valued at over £500.
If you believe your Irish family member is on the list and you could inherit one of these unclaimed estates, visit Unclaimedestates.ie to submit a claim and potentially uncover a hidden inheritance.
The list of more than 300 names is here - the names are listed in the order of: Surname, Forename, date of birth, place of birth, date of death and place of death.
