header-logo header-logo

Missing persons

18 February 2010 / Sandra Walsh
Issue: 7405 / Categories: Features , Wills & Probate
printer mail-detail

Sandra Walsh on coping with the rising tide of missing beneficiaries

Around 300,000 people die intestate in the UK each year. This is a statistic with which many legal practitioners will be familiar. The majority of these cases are satisfactorily resolved with appropriate beneficiaries receiving a fair distribution from the estate of the deceased. But there are increasing numbers of cases that result in claims from missing beneficiaries.

Now in its fourth series the popular BBC One documentary, Heir Hunters, has brought the issue of intestacy into sharp focus. Judging by the record-breaking viewing figures, this programme appears to have struck a chord with a wide and very interested public. It’s probably safe to assume that this interest is prompting more and more people to ask their solicitors about how they might protect themselves from long-lost or unknown relatives laying claim to a recent inheritance; or even to their own estate once they have died.

Benjamin Orders

The more traditional solutions to this question include seeking a Benjamin Order or obtaining indemnities from known beneficiaries to reimburse the estate should a missing beneficiary appear. But

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

NLJ career profile: Liz McGrath KC

NLJ career profile: Liz McGrath KC

A good book, a glass of chilled Albarino, and being creative for pleasure help Liz McGrath balance the rigours of complex bundles and being Head of Chambers

Burges Salmon—Matthew Hancock-Jones

Burges Salmon—Matthew Hancock-Jones

Firm welcomes director in its financial services financial regulatory team

Gateley Legal—Sam Meiklejohn

Gateley Legal—Sam Meiklejohn Premium Content

Partner appointment in firm’s equity capital markets team

NEWS

Law school partners with charity to give free assistance to litigants in need

Magic circle firms, in-house legal departments and litigation firms alike are embracing more flexible ways to manage surges of workloads, the success of Flex Legal has shown

Magic circle firms, in-house legal departments and litigation firms alike are embracing more flexible ways to manage surges of workloads, the success of Flex Legal has shown

Magic circle firms, in-house legal departments and litigation firms alike are embracing more flexible ways to manage surges of workloads, the success of Flex Legal has shown

Walkers and runners will take in some of London’s finest views at the 16th annual charity event

back-to-top-scroll