TL;DR:
- When someone dies without a will, heir hunters trace close and distant relatives to claim unclaimed estates.
- Estates can range from small amounts to millions of pounds, often revealing surprising family connections.
- Without a will or heirs, assets may go to the government or the Crown.
- Writing a will ensures your assets go to your chosen beneficiaries and prevents complications.
- Proper estate planning protects your legacy and avoids unclaimed estates.
If someone like Ryan Gregory from Finders International appears at your door, you may be in for a surprising windfall. For over 20 years, Ryan has worked as an heir hunter, reuniting people with unexpected inheritances from distant relatives they didn’t even know existed.
When a person dies without a will or an immediate next of kin, heir hunters step in to trace eligible relatives. Without them, unclaimed estates risk being passed to the government or, in some cases, the Crown.
Ryan’s journey began at just 18, working with a small team in South Kensington. Today, as international manager at Finders International—a firm made famous by the BBC’s Heir Hunters series—he oversees a booming business employing over 150 people.
“When I started, it might take five years to find a £1m estate. Now, we handle million-pound cases multiple times a week,” Ryan explains. The rise in property values has significantly boosted estate sizes, he adds.
Stories of Unexpected Windfalls
A Life-Changing Phone Call
When Allan Reay, 74, passed away alone in Gateshead in 2022, his £28,000 estate had no obvious heirs. Finders International traced Joan, an 82-year-old retired teacher living in France, as a distant cousin. Initially suspicious of the call, Joan was astonished when her son confirmed the firm’s legitimacy.
“It was utterly surprising. You just don’t expect something like this,” she said. Joan and her husband plan to use the inheritance for a holiday or cruise.
Reuniting Lost Siblings
In another case, siblings Raymond and Brenda Ward, who had never met, were brought together when they each inherited £12,000 from their uncle, George Potter. George, who died alone in a care home, had no immediate family. The siblings, born to the same father but different mothers, now stay in regular contact thanks to this unexpected connection.
How Do Heir Hunters Work?
When an unclaimed estate lands on their desk, heir hunters like Ryan investigate the deceased’s life in meticulous detail. From speaking to neighbours and local community members to delving into public records, their work is both methodical and global in scope.
“We cast a wide net, especially as modern families often have children outside of marriage,” Ryan notes.
Some cases are resolved quickly, even before funerals take place. Others, like a recent case Ryan closed after 10 years, require perseverance. Public resources such as the British Library and open social media profiles are invaluable tools in piecing together family histories.
Why Having a Will Is Crucial
Shockingly, half of Britons do not have a will. Without one, your estate could be handed over to the government or, in some areas, the Crown.
To avoid this, it’s essential to have a will in place. This ensures your assets go to the people you choose, rather than being lost to bureaucracy.
What to Do if You’re Contacted by an Heir Hunter
Before signing any paperwork, verify the legitimacy of the firm. Established companies like Finders International are trustworthy.
You can check the Bona Vacantia list of unclaimed estates to see if you recognise the name of the deceased. If needed, hire a reputable heir hunter to guide you through the process, but always read contracts carefully.
At Wills and Probate Services, we believe no one should leave their future to chance. Creating a will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are honored. If you’d like to discuss estate planning, probate, or any related matters, we are here to help. Let’s make sure your legacy is secured.
This article references content by Megan Harwood-Baynes, cost of living specialist, originally published on Sky News. Read the original article here.
