Six unclaimed estates in Greater Manchester

Six people who died this year in Greater Manchester left behind unclaimed estates, with half of these being born in the region.

If there is no known will or next of kin when someone dies, their estate – which includes money, possessions, property – passes to the Crown and is deemed as ownerless property. This is also known as “bona vacantia”.

Entitled relatives are given a chance to stake their claim on the estate, as they are publicly listed by the government legal department.

If no will is found, a spouse or civil partner will have the first claim on the estate, followed by any children. If these don’t exist, anyone descended from the grandparent of the person will get a share.

Details of the six people to die in Greater Manchester this year are as follows:

  • David Simpson, who died in Stockport on January 5. He was also born in the town and was 64 when he died.
  • Clifford Hough, who died in Ashton-under-Lyne on January 9. He was born in Salford and was 78
  • John Porter, who died in Stalybridge on February 16 at the age of 74.
  • Raymond Alfred Pythian, who died in Stockport on March 5. He was also born in Stockport and was 85.
  • Menvil Dowell, who died in Trafford on March 17. He was known to be a widower and was aged 69.
  • Alan Edwards, who died in Hyde on June 14. He was born in Cheshire and was 88.

This year across England and Wales, 235 people have died with unclaimed estates. Generally, there is a 12 year time limit on claims but this may be extended to 30 years in some circumstances.

To check for unclaimed estates in England & Wales click here.

Find out more on this story here: https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/six-people-who-died-greater-15275167