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If someone dies without a will or known family, their ownerless property (bona vacantia) goes to the crown - check if you're an entitled relative, search for an estate, refer or claim on an estate

• Overview

  When someone dies with no will or known family, their property passes to…

• Who to contact

  The Government Legal Department handles bona vacantia in England and Wales…

• Check if you're an entitled relative

  You need to know if you’re entitled before making a claim on an estate.…

• Make a claim on an estate

  If you think you’re entitled to an estate in England and Wales (but not…

• Refer an estate

  If you know someone who has died with no will or known blood relatives,…

• Grants from a deceased person's estate

  You can apply for a grant from a deceased person’s estate if you could…

Apply as a child to join or stay with a close relative in the UK who has protection status - eligibility, fees, documents, applying for settlement.

• Overview

  You may be able to apply to join or stay with a close relative in the UK…

• Eligibility

  To be eligible to apply to join or stay with a close relative in the UK…

• How much it costs

  How much it costs to apply depends on whether you’re applying from outside…

• Documents you'll need to apply

  You’ll need to provide documents or other evidence to prove: your identity…

• Apply

  Apply from outside the UK Apply online to join a close relative if you’re…

• After you apply

  If you applied from outside the UK You’ll get an email with a decision on…

Authorise someone to deal with HMRC for you - how to appoint an agent, friend, relative or voluntary organisation.

• Overview

  You can authorise someone else to deal with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)…

• Authorise an agent to manage your tax affairs

  A paid agent can be: a professional accountant tax adviser They must meet…

• Ask a friend or relative to manage your tax online

  You can ask a friend or family member to register to manage your tax…

• Authorise someone to deal with HMRC for you

  You can arrange for an ‘intermediary’ to deal with HMRC for you. This…

• Give someone power of attorney over your tax affairs

  You can give someone power of attorney over your tax affairs, such as by…

If you were adopted you can access your birth records or get on the Adoption Contact Register to find birth relatives - how to apply, forms and information for birth relatives

Get a family visa for the UK, live with your spouse or relative - eligibility, proof, renewing, financial and English language requirements.

Indefinite leave to remain ('settlement') if you have a partner, parent, child or relative in the UK - fees, who's eligible, how to apply.

Adoption contact register form - part 2

Find out if you are an entitled relative and how to claim an estate from the Bona Vacantia Division.

• Updated: 12 January 2026

National tariff proposals, impact assessment and an opportunity to share your views.

• Updated: 14 August 2015

Immigration staff guidance on children staying with or joining a close relative.

• Updated: 11 November 2025