Search the UK Bona Vacantia list of unclaimed estates. Set up watchlist alerts so you never miss a new match from your family surnames.
Watch our videos to see how it works.
Background
When someone in England or Wales dies without a will and without known relatives, their estate passes to the Crown. The Government Legal Department publishes a list of these unclaimed estates — currently 5,482 entries.
If you can prove you are a blood relative of someone on the list, you may be entitled to claim their estate. Claims can be made up to 30 years after the date of death.
Why FindMyLegacy
Double Metaphone phonetic search finds Smith, Smythe, and Smyth together. Spelling variations across generations never cause a missed match.
Save surnames to a watchlist and receive an email the moment a new matching estate is published. No manual checking required.
Track research across estates. Maintain document checklists, record notes, and follow a structured workflow from research through to claim.
Intestacy law
Under UK intestacy law, you may be entitled to claim an unclaimed estate if you are a blood relative of the deceased. Claims follow a strict legal order of entitlement.
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