Published on: 21st July 2025

Why the Bona Vacantia list was removed – and what it means for estates without Wills

When someone in England or Wales dies without a Will and no clear next of kin, their estate may be declared bona vacantia—Latin for “ownerless goods.” If no rightful heirs are found, the estate passes to the Crown.

To give potential relatives a chance to claim such estates, the Government Legal Department has traditionally published the Bona Vacantia list—a publicly available register of unclaimed estates. However, in July 2025, the government made the unprecedented decision to temporarily remove this list from the GOV.UK website.

What Is the Bona Vacantia List?

The Bona Vacantia list includes estates of individuals who died intestate (without a Will) and without known heirs. Genealogy firms—often called “heir hunters”—monitor the list and research family connections. If a legitimate heir is identified, they can claim the estate by proving their relationship. Each listing typically includes the deceased’s name, date and place of death, and other identifying details. Estates can remain unclaimed for up to 30 years, after which they permanently revert to the Crown.

Why Was the List Taken Down?

On 7 July 2025, a brief notice appeared on GOV.UK stating the list was removed due to “administrative reasons.” However, the move closely followed a BBC investigation exposing fraud involving fake Wills being used to claim estates listed as bona vacantia.

Criminals had allegedly exploited the publicly available data to forge Wills and submit them through the online probate system, which has had weaker checks since its introduction in 2017. By claiming estates that fell under the inheritance tax threshold, they bypassed scrutiny and successfully obtained probate—diverting estates away from rightful heirs or the Crown. In response to these revelations, the government removed the list to prevent further abuse and protect estates already affected.

Why This Matters

This decision highlights a growing vulnerability in the probate system. The removal, while disruptive to professional heir tracers and probate researchers, reflects a necessary step to protect estates from fraud. It also calls attention to the lack of robust ID checks and the ease with which digital probate applications can be manipulated.

More broadly, it underscores the importance of making a valid Will. Many estates on the Bona Vacantia list could have been prevented with basic estate planning. Without a Will:

• The people you care about most—such as unmarried partners or close friends—may inherit nothing.
• Your estate may end up with distant relatives or the Crown.
• There’s a higher risk of delay, dispute, and even fraud.

What Happens Next?

As of mid-July 2025, the list remains offline. The Government Legal Department is reviewing its publication process, and new safeguards are expected before it is reinstated. In the meantime, the case serves as a timely reminder for everyone: writing a Will is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your legacy.

If you'd like help with drafting a valid Will or reviewing your current estate plan, our team at Casey & Associates is here to guide you through every step. To arrange an appointment with a Consultant please telephone 01732 868 190 or click here.

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