HEIR TRACERS and people finders, Family Wise Ltd, share their expert opinions on the BBC Investigation into the systemic abuse of the probate system.
On Tuesday 8 July, the Bona Vacantia Division’s Unclaimed Estates list, which details people in England and Wales who have died without any known next of kin or leaving a will, was suddenly taken offline. This comes as the BBC is broadcasting a documentary seeking to uncover systemic abuse within the probate system, facilitated in part by names being taken from the Unclaimed Estates List.
Calne-based Family Wise, a professional heir tracing and people finding organisation, noticed the removal of the list last Tuesday morning.
“We are currently dealing with a case of our own which bears remarkable similarities to those discussed in the BBC documentary,” commented Kirsty Gray, Managing Director of Family Wise. “We have talked to the journalist in question and are hopeful this could help the ongoing investigation into those who abuse the probate system.”
At present, the Bona Vacantia Division’s website reads “We have temporarily removed the unclaimed estates list from our website. Further details will follow as soon as possible.”
The shutting down of the Bona Vacantia list follows BBC reports revealing that vulnerabilities in the probate process may have been exploited, with forged wills used to unlawfully obtain estates and commit tax fraud.
In some cases, millions of pounds have allegedly been misappropriated.
“We are grateful that the Bona Vacantia Division is taking these allegations seriously and is seeking to protect genuine beneficiaries from fraud being perpetrated against them,” Kirsty said.
Since 2012, Family Wise has operated as heir tracers, people finders and genealogists, dedicated to uncovering family trees and assisting with people finding needs. Their expertise includes locating missing beneficiaries, solving family mysteries, and reuniting relatives, and they are committed to ethical practice, honesty and transparency.
“Family Wise continues to support efforts to expose wrongdoing, improve safeguards for bereaved families, and to work hard on behalf of rightful heirs,” Kirsty concluded.
To learn more about what Family Wise do, visit: https://family-wise.co.uk/
Article from Scott Media
