Local authorities across England and Wales frequently encounter cases where individuals pass away without known next of kin. In such instances, councils are responsible for arranging a funeral.. Guidance issued in 2020 * states that wherever possible, local authorities should take steps to locate next of kin. Services provided by a professional probate genealogist can help play a crucial role in supporting local authorities.
Supporting Public Health Funerals
Under the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984, local authorities have a responsibility to make funeral arrangements where it appears that no one else is able or willing to do so for individuals who die intestate and without known family. Probate genealogists like Finders International assist councils by conducting thorough research to locate next of kin, potentially saving the council the cost of funding a funeral. If relatives are found, they may assume responsibility for funeral arrangements, relieving the council of both financial and administrative burdens.
Tracing Next of Kin for Unclaimed Estates
When an estate remains unclaimed, it is typically referred to the Bona Vacantia Division of the Government Legal Department. Probate researchers work diligently to trace rightful heirs before an estate is transferred to the Crown. By identifying and verifying beneficiaries, they help ensure that estates are distributed according to the laws of intestacy, rather than being absorbed by the state. This not only benefits the heirs but also prevents unnecessary bureaucratic involvement for local authorities.
Reducing Administrative Workload
Handling unclaimed estates and public health funerals can be a time-consuming process for council officials. By referring a case to a genealogy probate specialist, local authorities can focus their resources on other essential community services. Probate researchers provide councils with verified genealogical reports and legal documentation, simplifying estate administration and expediting the transfer of assets.
Preventing Unnecessary Costs
Without the assistance of probate genealogists, councils often bear the financial burden of unclaimed estates, including funeral expenses. By tracing heirs, researchers help ensure that estate funds are used to cover such costs, reducing financial strain on public resources. In some cases, councils may also recover expenses from the estate, further mitigating any potential losses.
Ensuring Ethical and Legal Compliance
Under the non statutory guidance, Councils are advised that they treat the deceased with dignity and respect, minimising health risks and ensuring that financial costs encountered can be recouped from the estate. Probate researchers will ensure that legitimate heirs are located, and estates are distributed correctly. Their expertise in verifying documentation and conducting thorough genealogical investigations safeguards councils against potential legal disputes or misallocated inheritances.
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Finders International work with councils, coroners, hospitals, housing associations and care homes across the UK and Ireland. We assist with tracing heirs to property, estates, assets and unclaimed funds, as well as locating next of kin to arrange and attend funerals. Visit: https://www.findersinternational.co.uk/our-services/public-sector-services/
* https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/public-health-funerals-good-practice-guidance/public-health-funerals-good-practice-guidance