I’m asking this question for a friend, I’ll call her A.
A’s father left her and her siblings’ life when she was a baby. From what I can gather, she has not had any contact with him but knows that he passed away at some point.
A’s brother died around 18 months ago. He did not make a will (no spouse or children) so she has been told that the beneficiary of the estate will be their father.
A is struggling to prove that her father is no longer alive. Her DM passed away and also anyone who might have had details about him.
She doesn’t know his DOB or last address so hasn’t been able to find details of his death.
A has been told that until she can provide these then she can go no further.
I was under the (possibly misguided) impression that whoever was distributing the estate would automatically, albeit eventually, trace A as the next in line under intestacy rules? What if the beneficiary can’t be traced?
If anyone has any advice then that would be most gratefully received!