Estate administration
We are entitled to recover funeral arrangements costs under S46 of the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984. However, we are not empowered to administer the estate.
In some cases, after funeral costs have been paid, there may be a certain amount of value left over.
If the surplus is £500 or more and there is no next of kin, the case must be referred to the Treasury Solicitor under Bona Vacantia.
Where there are known family members, and the case cannot be referred to the Treasury Solicitor, we will hold all monies. This will be released when a legally entitled person demonstrates their suitability to administer the estate. Generally through the holding of letters of administration from the courts.
Under no circumstances will money or property from the estate be given to any family member without proper lawful authority.