Why Making a Valid Will Has Never Been More Important
The government’s public list of unclaimed estates—Bona Vacantia—has been taken offline following a BBC investigation into a suspected fraud operation worth millions. The news has once again highlighted the risks of dying intestate (without a valid will), and why planning ahead with trusted legal support is vital.
The Bona Vacantia list, published by the Treasury Solicitor, includes details of estates in England and Wales where someone has died without a will and no known heirs have come forward. However, according to the BBC’s recent report, criminal groups have been exploiting this publicly available data to create fake wills and falsely inherit property and money.
As a result of the investigation, the Ministry of Justice has removed the list from its website and confirmed that it is working with relevant authorities to support ongoing investigations. While many legal professionals have welcomed the removal, concerns remain that this alone will not be enough to stop future fraud.
The Dangers of Not Having a Will
When someone dies without a valid will, their estate is distributed according to the rules of intestacy—regardless of their actual wishes. This can result in distressing and unintended outcomes for families. Worse still, as this investigation reveals, fraudsters may attempt to take advantage of estates where no clear instructions have been left behind and no family is known or easily ascertainable.
By making a will, you gain peace of mind that your estate will be passed on in the way you intend—while also protecting your loved ones from unnecessary complications.
Protecting Your Estate Starts with a Conversation
At Bright Solicitors, our Private Client team can help ensure your estate is fully protected by:
- Preparing a legally valid and professionally drafted will
- Advising on inheritance tax and estate planning
- Guiding families through probate with clarity and confidence
Whether your estate is large or small, the key to security is proper preparation. And it’s never too early to start.
Secure Your Legacy with Bright Solicitors
Whether you are making your first will or updating an existing one, our team is here to guide you. We ensure that your estate is handled exactly as you intend, with clarity and peace of mind for those you leave behind.
Don’t leave your legacy to chance.
