Following a review of its publication practices, the Government Legal Department has confirmed that the Bona Vacantia unclaimed estates list has been restored. The list was taken offline in July 2025 amid concerns about fraud and improper use within the probate system. After completing its assessment, the department concluded that there was no evidence linking the list itself to fraudulent activity.
Despite this finding, the Bona Vacantia Division has introduced tighter controls over the information released. These changes are intended to safeguard data while still allowing individuals to identify a possible family connection.
Changes to Bona Vacantia
The unclaimed estates list will now contain a more limited set of details. Only the following information will be publicly available:
- Name of the deceased.
- Date of death.
- Location of death.
- Bona Vacantia Division case reference.
The Bona Vacantia list continues to serve as a gateway for identifying estates that may be eligible for a claim. As a result of the changes, claim investigations may require more time and research.
The importance of the Bona Vacantia list
In the 2024-25 financial year, unclaimed estates generated £67 million in net income for the Bona Vacantia Division. This figure underscores how frequently individuals pass away without a will and how easily estates can enter intestacy.
For organisations that specialise in tracing beneficiaries, access to this information is crucial. Early identification of estates helps ensure inheritances reach the correct recipients, rather than defaulting to the Crown. It also supports wider public-sector efforts to resolve inheritance matters efficiently.
Consequences of the temporary withdrawal
With the list unavailable for more than six months, some estates may have progressed beyond the 30-year claim period and consequently become Crown property. In addition, more recent intestacy cases may have remained unexamined, despite the likelihood that eligible heirs existed.
The return of the list enables renewed efforts to locate beneficiaries and prevent further estates from going unclaimed.
Final thoughts
Even though the list’s information has been reduced, this has not prevented Blanchards ability to continue its investigative work. The restriction of data shows there are still concerns that remain around the Bona Vacantia list. However, we are relieved that the list has returned.
This article was submitted by Blanchards as part of an advertising agreement with Today’s Wills and Probate. The views expressed in this article are those of the submitter and not those of Today’s Wills and Probate
