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Archiver > ESSEX-UK > 2008-07 > 1216315885


From: Tony Pottrell <>
Subject: Re: [Ess] [HRT] Heir Hunters
Date: Thu, 17 Jul 2008 18:31:25 +0100
References: <cf3.393b5dc5.35b0d18a@aol.com>
In-Reply-To: <cf3.393b5dc5.35b0d18a@aol.com>


Hadn't heard of it, but thankfully it is on the BBC iPlayer
(www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer)

Interesting about the ability to claim from the treasury, presumably
there's a time limit involved? I'm sure I could quite easily find a few
estates in my tree that went intestate!

Tony

wrote:
> Hi to all the above Rootsweb mailing listers who live in England,
>
> Have you been watching the programme 'Heirhunters' which is being shown
> presently at 9.15 every morning on BBC1? I've only just discovered it this week
> and I love it! It shows a team of genealogists searching for relatives of
> someone who has died without making a will and having no known family. They
> look up the censuses to make up family trees, and births,deaths and marriages
> to determine who make up the family and if they are still living could be
> entitled to a share of any estate. Apparently if a person dies intestate then
> the money goes to the Treasury. The company acquires a list (I wonder from
> where? Anyone know?) of people who have died intestate and they race against
> the clock to find possible heirs before rival companies find them. No doubt
> the company gets a large commission from any inheritance that is proved by
> them and finally paid out to the heirs!
>
> There are some sad cases on there e.g. a person who for some reason left
> home at 17 never to be heard of again by the family who dies years later alone
> with no family around him and no one to leave his money to. The family only
> get to hear of his death via the company Fraser and Fraser who then inform
> them that they are entitled to the inheritance - less commission of course! How
> much the company gets I don't know but some possible heirs choose to not
> sign a contract and make their own application to the state for the money.
> Also, a couple who was cared for in their later years by a nephew who thought he
> would be left some of their money. In fact they said they wanted him to have
> their money as a thank you for his help and care. But unfortunately now
> will was made, they became infirm, the aunt died leaving her husband (who wasn't
> a blood relative to the nephew) who died a while afterwards from
> Alzheimer's. Fraser and Fraser find an heir who is so remotely connected (but by blood)
> to the deceased that they never even knew the person existed, but was
> thrilled to learn that they inherited everything. The poor nephew who did all the
> work though received nothing.
>
>
> This is the website for the programme and the company that is featured in
> the programme - _http://www.fraserandfraser.com/heirhunters/default.htm_
> (http://www.fraserandfraser.com/heirhunters/default.htm) Loads of interesting
> information on there that we should all be aware of!
>
> Regards
>
> Diana
>
>
>
>
>
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