180 Unclaimed Estates in Birmingham as Residents Could Be Entitled to a Fortune
Hundreds of families across Birmingham may be unaware of their entitlement to unclaimed inheritance, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics. Wills, trusts, and probate specialists at Brethertons have analyzed the data, highlighting the possibility that many residents could be missing out on significant wealth.
Analysis Reveals Hidden Wealth Across the Region
Brethertons' analysis shows that 180 estates in Birmingham currently remain without a rightful heir, with additional unclaimed estates scattered throughout the West Midlands. Laura Stuart, Wills, Capacity, Trusts and Probate Partner at Brethertons, emphasized the importance of understanding inheritance rights.
"Understanding who may be entitled to an unclaimed estate is not only important for individuals seeking their rightful inheritance, but also for ensuring estates are passed on in accordance with the law," Stuart stated. "Across England and Wales, many estates go unclaimed every year; likely because no will was left, or no known heirs have come forward."
Stuart added, "Therefore, at Brethertons, we’re shining a light on unclaimed estates registered across the regions we serve. By monitoring the latest updates, we aim to raise awareness and encourage people to check for family connections that could entitle them to a forgotten inheritance."
Regional Breakdown of Unclaimed Estates
The distribution of unclaimed estates in the West Midlands region includes:
- Birmingham: 180 estates
- Coventry: 37 estates
- Wolverhampton: 31 estates
- Sandwell: 16 estates
- Dudley: 7 estates
- Walsall: 0 estates
- Solihull: 0 estates
How to Make a Claim for Unclaimed Inheritance
If you suspect you may be entitled to an unclaimed estate in Birmingham, experts at Brethertons have outlined key recommendations for taking action:
- Visit the UK government’s unclaimed estate list, which is updated every working day online.
- Search by surname using Ctrl-F to see if any unclaimed estates may relate to your family.
- If you recognize your family name within the list, begin collecting evidence of your connection.
This evidence should include birth, marriage, or death certificates, family trees, wills, or other documents that help prove your relationship to the deceased. Claims can generally be made within 12 years from the date the estate was reported, though this can extend to up to 30 years in some cases.
Acting quickly increases chances of success and reduces the risk of the estate being absorbed by the Crown. With 180 estates currently unclaimed in Birmingham alone, many residents could be sitting on unexpected fortunes without even realizing it.
