MORE than a dozen estates left by people who died in Stourbridge, Dudley and Halesowen or who were originally born in the area are currently unclaimed.

According to the Government’s list of unclaimed estates, held by the Treasury Solicitor, there are currently 14 left by people who died in the borough without immediate blood relatives and a valid will, plus four unclaimed estates left by people originally from the area.

To see the full government list click here.

The list includes unclaimed estates which have been recently referred, but not yet administered, and historic cases which have been administered but have not yet been claimed within the time limits for doing so.

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Claims will be accepted by the Government’s Bona Vacantia division within 12 years from the date administration of the estate was completed and interest will be paid on the money held.

However, BVD will admit fully documented claims up to 30 years from the date of death, subject to no interest being paid on the money held, if the claim is received after the 12-year period above has run out.

For a will to be valid it must be in writing, made by a person aged 18 or over, made voluntarily and without pressure, be made by a person of sound mind, signed by the person making the will in the presence of two witnesses and signed by the two witnesses (in the presence of the person making the will) after it has been signed.