Long Lost Second Cousin’s Estate

Tinpony

Hi
Eighteen months ago I was contacted by an Heir Hunter regarding a second cousin who had died intestate in Scotland, about twelve years ago. They were in the process of sorting out possible relatives, of which at that point they had identified about ten and contacted six. 

Of course my siblings and I are intrigued, but after hearing nothing since we are now told that the instructing solicitors have put this on hold, with no explanation as to why. We seem to be in a state of continuous limbo so my question is whether we should be more proactive, especially as so much time has passed. We don’t know the identity of the solicitors- haven’t asked but I doubt if we would be told by the heir hunters. Any advice would be gratefully received. 

Just to manage expectations (although we are trying not to expect anything!) can we assume anything about the size of the estate seeing as it is being dealt with in this way? 

Many thanks. 

Flugelhorn

In England the estates would advertised  if > 5K - obviously heir hunters  are more keen to find relatives if the estate is larger as they get more commission.
Sometimes things can be put on hold etc if there is a thought that there might be nearer relatives eg cousins and they have to research this - also to put in a claim they will need quite a lot of certificates and evidence to show that all at eligible

buddy9

If you know the name you can check on KLTR website for estate. https://www.kltr.gov.uk/

Marcon

Tinpony said:

Hi
Eighteen months ago I was contacted by an Heir Hunter regarding a second cousin who had died intestate in Scotland, about twelve years ago. They were in the process of sorting out possible relatives, of which at that point they had identified about ten and contacted six. 

Of course my siblings and I are intrigued, but after hearing nothing since we are now told that the instructing solicitors have put this on hold, with no explanation as to why. We seem to be in a state of continuous limbo so my question is whether we should be more proactive, especially as so much time has passed. We don’t know the identity of the solicitors- haven’t asked but I doubt if we would be told by the heir hunters. Any advice would be gratefully received. 

Just to manage expectations (although we are trying not to expect anything!) can we assume anything about the size of the estate seeing as it is being dealt with in this way? 

Many thanks. 

What are the terms of the agreement you signed with the heir hunters?

Tinpony

Thanks for all your comments. I do have the name (which is very unusual) but cannot find it on the Scottish list mentioned or the Bona Vacantia list. We haven’t yet signed anything with the heir hunters- they haven’t asked us to. I’m wondering if they have found some closer relatives - oh well, it was exciting for a while! 

Silvertabby

Don't normally watch the heir hunters tv programme, but caught one last week because of an RAF connection.  After tracing 11 or 12 possible heirs, and getting them all excited, a Will turned up - which left the entire estate to the RAF Benevolent Fund.  

Marcon

Tinpony said:

Thanks for all your comments. I do have the name (which is very unusual) but cannot find it on the Scottish list mentioned or the Bona Vacantia list. We haven’t yet signed anything with the heir hunters- they haven’t asked us to. I’m wondering if they have found some closer relatives - oh well, it was exciting for a while! 

If you've not been asked to sign an agreement, then that doesn't bode particularly well for a large inheritance coming your way any time soon. If the solicitors instructing the heir hunters have put things on hold, there's nothing they (or you) can do except wait hopefully.