Question Heir Hunters - How much time do I have?

suej102

Hi - I recently became aware that a distant relative may have died interstate (he did) and began researching the family tree and then contacting BV estates to claim on behalf of my Mother & any other living relatives known to us. Unfortunately an heir hunter has since also been in touch with my uncle and cousin and is pressuring them to sign up as they have been told they need to return the forms etc within 6 weeks. I have explained to these family members that I am managing this on behalf of everyone and they don't need to risk losing up to 30% of any claim, but my uncle in particular who is elderly, very anxious and not particularity bright has just told me he has sent these forms back with his birth certificate. I'm stunned that he has done this but he doesn't really understand so I am now worried that the heir hunters will fast track this and all of my hard work (I have almost everything ready to submit and have just been in touch with the BV to explain all of this), however I am waiting on 5 certificates that are due to be sent out from GRO on 30th July. I have a solicitor taking care of verifying all of the documents as true copies etc and have already evidenced my Mother's link to the deceased (1st Cousin). My question is, how quickly will the Heir Hunters move on this and are they able to fast-track the process - I would imagine my complete claim will be ready very early August but I am worried that my uncle may sign something before then which will reduce the amount of any claim? :mad::cool:

TonyMMM

If your uncle signs a contract with an heir hunter, it will only affect his share of the estate, not anyone else. The company will attempt to sign up as many beneficiaries as possible to maximise their commission.

Heir hunters can (and often do) order certificates using the next day delivery service, or even go in person to the registration office and get them straight away. Anyone can do the same if they wish (and are willing to pay the additional charge).

There is no need to get a solicitor to verify your certificates - all certificates are certified copies already (that is what certificate means), and perfectly acceptable to support a claim.

TcpnT

I don't know if it would help in your case but it is possible to expedite GRO certificate copies for an extra fee and get them much quicker than normal.

suej102

Thanks so much for this. Tony do you mean that I can still put forward the claim on behalf of my mother even if the heir hunters do this on behalf of my uncle? I thought that the Estates Office will only need one claim to come in and will go with that person, but I am now thinking that perhaps it is OK for us to claim directly?

Flugelhorn

Yes Tony is right - all beneficiaries would be eligible for the appropriate share from the estate, any fees they have agreed to will come out of their share only.

You are really best not to worry re all members of the family, just look after yourself & those who are happy to let you do it. You won't lose out if Uncle continues with the heir hunters

PS you can even find several companies claiming ion behalf of groups of individuals for one estate - all maybe charging different fees

getmore4less

have BV administered the estate yet?

I thought what happens is BV hand over admin if they have not already administered the estate which is quite common with recent deaths as BV wait for the HH and relatives to do their stuff.

The HH will employ solicitors if they get the grant which comes out of everyone shares if you were planning to admin the estate then you need to get the grant.

Complicated further if there are intermediate relatives that died after the BV deceased did.

PasturesNew

Your claim will not be affected by anything anybody else does, or how they claim their money (e.g. through being contacted and signed up by an heir hunter).

The value of your claim remains the same.

Don't forget - as a cousin of your mother, it's not just your side that's trawled for heirs, it's the families of both the cousin's parents.

So the starting "pot" will be cut in half just because the cousin had two parents.

suej102

BV have asked me to prepare all of the documentation to act on behalf of my Mother - I thought I would be able to help everyone save money by doing this myself but it seems that this would/could be a massive task and seems much simpler just to keep it to helping Mum, which has been complicated enough - tracing family tree etc and getting all certificates ordered. I was worried as BV say that "The Treasury Solicitor only needs one claim from an entitled relative in order to give up his interest in the estate so I should submit the claim from either your mother or your uncle." It also goes on to say

Acceptance & Admittance of Claims

The Bona Vacantia Division deals with, and admits, the first fully documented claim received, either directly from a kin claimant or from someone authorised to act on their behalf, which is supported by sufficient evidence (including ID documentation) to satisfy us that the claimant is entitled to, or to share in, the estate in priority to the Crown.

Please note that if you submit a claim that is not fully documented, including ID documentation, and a fully documented claim is subsequently received from another claimant or their representative, then the Bona Vacantia Division will consider the fully documented claim.

This makes it sound as though there is some kind of race to the finish line?

Brynsam

suej102 wrote: »

This makes it sound as though there is some kind of race to the finish line?

Yes - but why does it matter? If HH take over responsibility for administering the estate, they are on the hook if they get it wrong - and everyone entitled to a share remains entitled to a share, with no fees payable to HH unless the beneficiary concerned has 'signed up' with them. They can't just decide that the only 'valid' recipients are the ones with whom they have contracted.

suej102

My understanding is that the deceased was unmarried and the other siblings of my Grandfather have either not had children and/or they are also deceased. My uncle is the oldest living relative and my mother the next - does this seem a little more promising? I'm not sure how far down the family they will go and where the buck stops - for instance am I entitled to anything if my mother is living?

suej102

Sorry I am being a bit dim and thank you for taking the time to explain this - it's really confusing and I am hugely relieved by your message and much less panicked!