Unclaimed Pension Funds...

by Scuba Steve 10 May 2010 |

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Hi there,

My dad died in 1995. I am one of 3 children, we were all under 16 at the time and as our parents were divorced, my grandparents "dealt" with my dads estates. The circumstances of his death meant that emotions were running extremely high, and the family ended up all falling out, with my sisters and I losing touch with our paternal grandparents for several years. We have since reinstated this contact however there has never been any discussion about money or anything that may have been left by my dad, or even about his possessions- which we didnt get any of either. As a result of my dads death, my mum ended up bankrupt and in real financial trouble so it has always been a sensitive issue that has never been raised.

Howver last week my dads brother was contacted by a genealogist to say that there is £10,000 worth of unclaimed pension funds that "the Crown" has?!

My older sister (would she be next of kin) is to go and see a lawyer to discuss taking this forward- I am just wondering if this is the right course of action. From my point of view we are his children, and therfore are entitled to this money without having to pay loads of legal fees etc.

I am just looking for general advice really- is this a common thing to happen? Why did it take 15 years to be noticed? Are we entitled to this money? If so, does it automatically go to my sister as she is the eldest, or is it split between the 3 of us?

Thanks for your help.

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Comments (5)

879

MikeGG1 posted
All his children would be of equal status and would be the prime beneficiaries of anything left by him in the absence of a will.
The pension money would have been in a trust which is probably why his parents didn't get it. It is possible that you should have got anything else that he left. But not necessarily due to the divorce.
Your sister should tell the solicitor that there are 3 of you and you should all get a share.
Mike
Posted on 10 May 2010 | Love 0 loves Report
1

Scuba Steve posted
Thanks Mike, but do we need to use a solicitor? Or can we just go directly to the Crown Office people with our birth certificates to confirm we are his children?
Also, does it have to be the oldest that deals with it? I am in a better position in terms of time to deal with it, so was hoping I could take over if neccessary.
Thanks again.
Posted on 10 May 2010 | Love 0 loves Report
879

MikeGG1 posted
Any of you can do it but all signatures and proofs of relationship will be required. It shouldn't be necessary to use a solicitor.
However, you may want one to check if you should have benefitted from your father's estate.
Mike
Posted on 10 May 2010 | Love 0 loves Report
32

CaptainFlak posted
Have you confirmed it's not a scam?
Posted on 11 May 2010 | Love 0 loves Report
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Scuba Steve posted
Yeah it is listed on the Crowns official website as unclaimed advertised estate- I was suspicious at first too!
I will just go directly to them and try and avoid a solicitor as in my experience this tends to add on ALOT of time and expense! If we run into problems we can always instruct one then.
Thanks again for all your help.
Posted on 11 May 2010 | Love 0 loves Report

Unclaimed Pension Funds...

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