THE estate of a Hagley woman who died seven years ago without leaving any obvious immediate family is among thousands going unclaimed.

According to the Government’s list of unclaimed estates, held by the Treasury Solicitor, the estate of 86-year-old spinster Margaret Shepherd is among more than 5,000 nationally that have been left unclaimed.

Born on January 19, 1927, she passed away on February 12, 2013, in West Hagley, according to the list which gives details of people who died without any surviving blood relatives and without a valid will.

To see the list on the official government website or to find out more click here.

The list includes unclaimed estates which have been recently referred, but not yet administered, and historic cases which have been administered but have not yet been claimed within the time limits for doing so.

Claims will be accepted by Government’s Bona Vacantia division within 12 years from the date that the administration of the estate was completed and interest will be paid on the money held.

However, BVD will admit fully documented claims up to 30 years from the date of death, subject to no interest being paid on the money held, if the claim is received after the 12-year period above has run out.

In order for a will to be valid it must be in writing, made by a person aged 18 or over, made voluntarily and without pressure, be made by a person who is of sound mind, be signed by the person making the will in the presence of two witnesses and be signed by the two witnesses (in the presence of the person making the will) after it has been signed.