Estate Research Genealogy Matters

roibustea · 2025-05-15T16:23:30+00:00

Not sure where to put this, so very happy to move it. I today received a letter from Estate Research Genealogy Matters addressed to me, with the reference "RoibusTea, born daughter of [my mum's name] and [my dad's name]." It states they are a firm of genealogists who specialise in tracing missing family and beneficiaries, and says they believe I may be able to help them with their enquiries. My mother died a couple of years ago, as far as I know with no will. We were in very regular contact. She was also married to my father, who is still alive. He has not received a letter, and he has already received all the money in her bank accounts. Does anybody have any idea what this might be referring to, and whether I should call them? A brief Google suggests they are a genuine company, but it feels like it might be a scam...?

ARichtGoodDram · 15/05/2025 17:28

It could be that a relative of your mother's has died intestate. Your father wouldn't be a beneficiary in that circumstance, it would be any children of your mother.

Happened to me once. Ended up getting £950 and finding a family branch I had no idea about which was a lovely wee bonus.

ARichtGoodDram · 15/05/2025 17:29

I would contact them, but do so using a telephone number or email on their website so you know it's genuinely their contact details and then go from there.

Original poster

roibustea · 15/05/2025 17:36

Her brother died a couple of days ago, maybe it has something to do with that then; I haven't seen him in many years, nor did my mother but she was in touch with his care home and they did call my dad yesterday to let him know. Be very quick if it is about him, I'll give them a call tomorrow and find out more. Thank you very much, the letter makes it sound like it's about her or my dad, which seemed a bit odd.

OP posts:

ARichtGoodDram · 15/05/2025 17:41

It's unlikely to have been that quick as a couple of days tbh, unless they've been contact by the care home to give them a heads up that your uncle (does he have
children?) has died and they know there is no will.

Generally it takes at least a couple of months to appear on the list that most of these companies pick up estates from. If it's an estate they've picked up from the Bona Vacantia list it has to be worth at least 5k to appear on the list.

Original poster

roibustea · 15/05/2025 17:53

He doesn't have any family, other than my dad (his brother-in-law), and me and my brother. He's unmarried. I also wouldn't have thought this type of company would be this quick, I only have a dim understanding of them but had the impression they were more a last resort if family couldn't be traced directly. Can't think of anyone else it could be, but I guess I'll find out tomorrow. Doesn't sound like it's a scam, which is what I was worried about.

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tripleginandtonic · 15/05/2025 17:56

If you watch that programme heir hunters, the minute the intestate list comes out they start tracing and contacting possible relatives. They do the spadework for a percentage of your inheritance.

ARichtGoodDram · 15/05/2025 17:59

The only time a company like that would be quick would be if they've been given a heads up that someone has died without a will and they're trying to get in before the estate appears on the list.

It's very unlikely to be that quick though.

It's more likely they're looking for a beneficiary on your mum's line and with your Mum gone and your uncle difficult to trace (as he was in a care home) then you might be the easiest to find.Your brother might get a letter as well

Original poster

roibustea · 15/05/2025 18:16

Intrigued now, can't think of anyone it might be. My mother wasn't at all close to her family, so maybe I have a horde of relatives I've never heard about. I'll try not to get too excited about the prospect of a childless millionaire aunt my mum forgot to mention...! Thanks all.

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Another2Cats · 15/05/2025 20:05

As others have already said, Estate Research Ltd are one of these "heir hunters". There were several series about companies like this on the BBC that ran from 2007 to 2018.

When a person dies and there is nobody to claim the estate then these companies search for any living relatives. They then try to get these relatives to sign up with them to get any share of the estate ( a part of which goes to these companies).

Something like this happened with my dad about 20 years ago, he got something like £1,000 (he inherited through his mum who was one of nine siblings and then he was one of five siblings so they had to share it out among 29 cousins).

Just totally coincidentally, my paternal grandmother had the maiden name Tea. Perhaps we are related somehow?

Original poster

roibustea · 16/05/2025 12:06

My surname's not Tea - I was drinking rooibos tea when I set up the username, and I can't spell 😂😂

It is about my uncle, my brother also got a letter and called them.

OP posts:

kdr1 · 23/05/2025 11:21

roibustea · 16/05/2025 12:06

My surname's not Tea - I was drinking rooibos tea when I set up the username, and I can't spell 😂😂

It is about my uncle, my brother also got a letter and called them.

Hi i was just wondering if you had any update as I have just had this happen to me I received a letter on 14/5 I called but the person hadn’t replied and now today I’ve been told that a second letter has been sent out to me today and I’ve no idea what this means having not been able to speak to the person who sent the letter only secretary who gave me little details as she doesn’t have access to all the information which is understandable just feeling quite confused🫣

Original poster

roibustea · 23/05/2025 17:30

kdr1 · 23/05/2025 11:21

Hi i was just wondering if you had any update as I have just had this happen to me I received a letter on 14/5 I called but the person hadn’t replied and now today I’ve been told that a second letter has been sent out to me today and I’ve no idea what this means having not been able to speak to the person who sent the letter only secretary who gave me little details as she doesn’t have access to all the information which is understandable just feeling quite confused🫣

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I got another letter yesterday which I had to sign and send back, it says the company will deal with it and I'll get a cheque at some point, minus their commission. It doesn't give any indication of how much it would be, I think it's extremely unlikely there'll be much as he's been in a (apparently rather grotty) council care home for the past few years. He's refused to talk to my family since I was young, other than a yearly call to my mum on his birthday. I know he was in a care home as mum was notified, and then after she died my dad called the home to tell him she'd passed away. He never responded. Then the care home called my dad to let him know he'd died. Presumably, as he was under the care of the council they have this company on hand to quickly trace any next of kin. I don't know why they didn't just ask my dad when they called - or why he didn't volunteer the information! I do feel rather sad, even though I've not seen him in many years. Not a nice way to end really.

OP posts:

ARichtGoodDram · 23/05/2025 17:54

If you and your brother are literally the only family there is no need for an heir hunting company to be involved (unless you two would prefer that).

Did the letter make clear that it is a choice to go through them, you can actually do it yourselves?

Original poster

roibustea · 23/05/2025 19:16

ARichtGoodDram · 23/05/2025 17:54

If you and your brother are literally the only family there is no need for an heir hunting company to be involved (unless you two would prefer that).

Did the letter make clear that it is a choice to go through them, you can actually do it yourselves?

Not really, it says they're a firm of genealogists who are investigating my uncle's estate, they've identified me as a potential beneficiary and they ask that I sign the enclosed agreement form. The form just says they'll take care of the estate, and their fee will be 10% + VAT. Doesn't say what would happen if I don't sign... But I did, and have already sent it back.

ETA Does say I can cancel in writing within 14 days...

OP posts:

ARichtGoodDram · 23/05/2025 20:00

They've obviously been given a heads up by someone (it's far too soon for your Uncle's estate to have appeared on the Bona Vacantia list) who didn't realise that the care home had contacts for him.

Do you know who is organising the funeral? It's likely them that's given the company a heads up.

If you're 100% there are no other relatives - no other siblings or half sibling for him and your mum so no cousins? Then you and your brother would be the only beneficiaries so could deal with it yourselves as there is no searching to be done.

ARichtGoodDram · 23/05/2025 20:01

Doesn't say what would happen if I don't sign...

That's very poor form. It shouldn't read like it's essential you sign. They have no authority to deal with the estate - they would just like to as that's how they make their living.

In a case with known relatives it's unnecessary that it was passed to them at all.

Original poster

roibustea · 23/05/2025 20:10

Hmm, I'll call my brother and see what he wants to do. I assumed that the care home (council) had this company on retainer and passed them details of anyone that died in their care who they didn't have next of kin details for. And I assumed that I would therefore have to pay for their service if I wanted the estate to be processed. Sure as I can be that there are no other relatives, my uncle was childless, and his husband died a long time ago. This company asked my brother if there was anyone else, and he told them no. It is a bit naughty of them then to not make us aware there's a choice; it definitely reads as though if I want to be considered as a potential beneficiary, I need to return the form...

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Another2Cats · 23/05/2025 20:45

I would totally agree with everything that @ARichtGoodDram has said.

They are just looking to get some money from you.

Normally, with these heir hunter companies they don't tell the beneficiaries who the person is who has passed away until they sign up.

But this lot appear to have told you that it is your uncle - bad move on their part.

"ETA Does say I can cancel in writing within 14 days..."

Personally, I would strongly suggest that you do this.

It appears that your uncle did not leave a will (or, at least, no will that can be found) and so the rules of intestacy kick in - and also the rules about who the administrator of his estate will be.

It appears that you and your bro are the nearest living relatives (along with any other nephews/nieces).

In this case, it is first come, first served as to who gets to be the Administrator of the estate.

There are very strict rules as to the order of who can apply to be the Administrator when a person dies without a will. The order is:

the married partner or civil partner of the person who has died
the child of the person who has died
the grandchild of the person who has died
the parent of the person who has died
the brother or sister of the person who has died
the nephew or niece of the person who has died
another relative of the person who has died.

So, if there is no one higher up the list then you can apply to be the Administrator of your uncle's estate (as long as you apply before your brother or any of your cousins on that side of the family)

The gov.uk website explains what you need to do:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-for-probate-by-post-if-there-is-not-a-will

Apply for probate by post if there is not a will: Form PA1A

Use this form to apply for letters of administration to manage the estate of the person who has died if they have not left a will.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-for-probate-by-post-if-there-is-not-a-will

Original poster

roibustea · 23/05/2025 22:22

Another2Cats · 23/05/2025 20:45

I would totally agree with everything that @ARichtGoodDram has said.

They are just looking to get some money from you.

Normally, with these heir hunter companies they don't tell the beneficiaries who the person is who has passed away until they sign up.

But this lot appear to have told you that it is your uncle - bad move on their part.

"ETA Does say I can cancel in writing within 14 days..."

Personally, I would strongly suggest that you do this.

It appears that your uncle did not leave a will (or, at least, no will that can be found) and so the rules of intestacy kick in - and also the rules about who the administrator of his estate will be.

It appears that you and your bro are the nearest living relatives (along with any other nephews/nieces).

In this case, it is first come, first served as to who gets to be the Administrator of the estate.

There are very strict rules as to the order of who can apply to be the Administrator when a person dies without a will. The order is:

the married partner or civil partner of the person who has died
the child of the person who has died
the grandchild of the person who has died
the parent of the person who has died
the brother or sister of the person who has died
the nephew or niece of the person who has died
another relative of the person who has died.

So, if there is no one higher up the list then you can apply to be the Administrator of your uncle's estate (as long as you apply before your brother or any of your cousins on that side of the family)

The gov.uk website explains what you need to do:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-for-probate-by-post-if-there-is-not-a-will

Thanks for this, I probably wouldn't have bothered too much about 10% of (probably) almost nothing at all, but I am irritated they have made it sound like we have no choice but to use them if we want to access the estate. I've called my brother and he was was also under that impression... We've decided that I'll look into the feasibility of applying directly for probate; there's a number to call, so I'll ring them Tuesday. If it's fairly straightforward then I'll take over.

OP posts:

ARichtGoodDram · 23/05/2025 23:46

I am irritated they have made it sound like we have no choice but to use them if we want to access the estate

I would be as well - that's very out of line of them.

And tbh, there must be something in the estate to make them think it's worth their while doing.

You should speak to the care home to find out what they've done with your uncles belongings - make clear that things like bank paperwork and the likes should not be handed over to a random, unneeded when he has close kin, company.

kdr1 · 24/05/2025 11:06

roibustea · 23/05/2025 17:30

I got another letter yesterday which I had to sign and send back, it says the company will deal with it and I'll get a cheque at some point, minus their commission. It doesn't give any indication of how much it would be, I think it's extremely unlikely there'll be much as he's been in a (apparently rather grotty) council care home for the past few years. He's refused to talk to my family since I was young, other than a yearly call to my mum on his birthday. I know he was in a care home as mum was notified, and then after she died my dad called the home to tell him she'd passed away. He never responded. Then the care home called my dad to let him know he'd died. Presumably, as he was under the care of the council they have this company on hand to quickly trace any next of kin. I don't know why they didn't just ask my dad when they called - or why he didn't volunteer the information! I do feel rather sad, even though I've not seen him in many years. Not a nice way to end really.

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aw so sorry it’s hard as family’s drift apart we are in same position the person named in the letter we never met and don’t know them it will be interesting to see the family tree and see where they are but thank you for replying hopefully next letter appears soon🤞🏻I’m not very good at waiting lol

NeighboursNasty · 24/05/2025 11:10

They are Heir hunters, the gov publish a list of unclaimed estates every day.

link: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/unclaimed-estates-list

Then companies will race to find any surviving relatives in return they expect a commission. Have a look at the list yourself and see if you recognise any relatives or surnames.

Unclaimed estates list

A list of unclaimed estates held by the Treasury Solicitor. Last updated 23rd May 2025

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/unclaimed-estates-list

LuckysDadsHat · 24/05/2025 11:12

The Heir Hunters normally only go for larger estates not tiny little ones so 30k+ as its not worth the man hours they put in to find relatives. 10% of a thousand pound estate would cost them more in researcher hours than they get on commission so they must think there is more in the estate than you think.

SwedishEdith · 24/05/2025 11:31

roibustea · 23/05/2025 20:10

Hmm, I'll call my brother and see what he wants to do. I assumed that the care home (council) had this company on retainer and passed them details of anyone that died in their care who they didn't have next of kin details for. And I assumed that I would therefore have to pay for their service if I wanted the estate to be processed. Sure as I can be that there are no other relatives, my uncle was childless, and his husband died a long time ago. This company asked my brother if there was anyone else, and he told them no. It is a bit naughty of them then to not make us aware there's a choice; it definitely reads as though if I want to be considered as a potential beneficiary, I need to return the form...

If the estate isn't on the bona vacantia list, then I wonder if the home do tip off this heir hunter company. It raises alarm bells for me as Radio 4 have been running a series/there's a podcast about a similar situation. Not exactly the same as this is about a company which gets estates signed over to them and the care homes recommend the "solicitor". Easy to see how heir hunters could approach care homes for the same thing. Is the heir hunter company based in Essex?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/m0025vhg?partner=uk.co.bbc&origin=share-mobile

BBC Sounds - Shadow World - Available Episodes

Listen to the latest episodes of Shadow World on BBC Sounds.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/m0025vhg?origin=share-mobile&partner=uk.co.bbc

BeNiceWhenItsFinished · 24/05/2025 12:03

Contact the care home he was in and identify yourself as a next of kin, and say you have only recently been informed of his passing and is there anything which needs to be done.