When a loved one passes away, the last thing anyone wants to deal with is the theft or misappropriation of their inheritance. Unfortunately, inheritance theft is more common than many people realise. It can be devastating for rightful beneficiaries who find themselves deprived of assets they were entitled to receive.
At Global Investigations, we can help with stolen inheritance investigations if clients suspect fraud, misconduct, or mismanagement within an estate. With over 25 years of experience in complex investigative work, our team of experts understands the sensitive nature of these cases and the importance of acting quickly to protect estate assets.
What Exactly Is Inheritance Theft?
Inheritance theft happens when someone wrongfully takes money or property from an estate that should have gone to the rightful beneficiaries. This can happen whether there is a will or not (under intestacy laws). Common examples include:
- An executor or administrator taking assets from the estate
- A family member forging or changing a will
- A trustee breaking their legal duties
- Someone pressuring the deceased to change their wishes before they died
- Bank accounts being emptied before or after death
- Property being transferred without proper permission
Inheritance theft is a serious issue in the UK. It can lead to civil claims for compensation and, in some cases, criminal charges like fraud or forgery. If found guilty, offenders could face fines, repay stolen assets, or even go to prison.
What Are the Warning Signs of Inheritance Theft?
Several signs could point to possible inheritance theft, including:
- Sudden changes to a will shortly before someone’s death
- Valuable items missing from the deceased’s home
- Unexplained withdrawals from their bank accounts
- An executor who won’t share information about the estate
- Delays in probate without a clear reason
- Missing financial documents or bank statements
- A family member who suddenly seems unusually wealthy
- The deceased’s property being sold without telling the beneficiaries
If you spot any of these signs, it’s important to act quickly. The sooner you look into possible inheritance theft, the better the chance of recovering what’s been taken.
How Can Private Investigators Help Prove Inheritance Theft?
When you suspect someone has stolen your inheritance, a professional investigative agency like Global Investigations can provide crucial assistance:
Asset Tracing
Our investigators are skilled at tracing assets that may have been hidden, moved, or taken from an estate. We track financial transactions and look for hidden bank accounts. If property has been transferred without permission, we work to locate it. Even if the money has been moved overseas, we can follow the trail to find out where it went.
Background Checks
We carry out thorough background checks on executors, trustees, or any family members you may be concerned about. These checks can reveal past fraud or financial misconduct. They can also uncover conflicts of interest, hidden connections with other parties, or financial problems that might lead someone to steal from an estate.
Surveillance and Intelligence Gathering
When needed, we carry out covert surveillance to gather evidence. This can show if someone is living beyond their known income or has assets that should belong to the estate. It can also reveal secret meetings with suspicious individuals or actions that don’t match what they’ve said about the estate.
Forensic Investigation
Our technical specialists carry out detailed forensic investigations. They can examine documents for signs of forgery and recover deleted digital files. They also review phone records, other communications, and financial records to find any irregularities.
Evidence Collection
Perhaps most importantly, we collect and document evidence in a way that can be used in court. This may include witness statements, photographs, financial records, timelines of events, and expert reports to support your case.
Note: Global Investigations operates strictly within the law. We follow all relevant regulations and ethical standards. Our investigations are conducted professionally, ensuring that any evidence we gather is legally obtained and admissible in court.
Why Is It Important to Act Quickly in Inheritance Theft Cases?
It’s important to act quickly if you suspect inheritance theft. Over time, evidence can disappear – financial records may be deleted, documents destroyed, and witnesses might forget key details. Stolen assets can also be spent or moved, making them harder to recover.
There are also legal time limits for starting a claim. Once probate is complete and the estate has been fully distributed, it becomes much more difficult to regain any assets taken unfairly.
What Legal Options Exist for Stolen Inheritance Cases?
In the UK, there are several legal avenues for addressing inheritance theft:
Criminal Proceedings
Someone who has committed fraud, forgery, or theft related to an inheritance may face criminal charges. These can result in prison sentences, criminal records, and financial penalties.
However, the burden of proof in criminal cases is high, requiring evidence “beyond reasonable doubt”.
Civil Action
You can take civil action against anyone who has breached their duty as an executor or trustee, taken assets from the estate, or interfered with the rightful distribution of an inheritance. Civil cases only require proof on the balance of probabilities, which is a lower standard than in criminal cases.
Contesting a Will
If you believe a will was forged, created under undue influence, or while the deceased lacked capacity, you can contest its validity through the courts.
What Steps Should You Take If You Suspect Inheritance Theft?
If you suspect someone has stolen your inheritance, follow these steps:
- Document everything – Keep records of all suspicious activities, conversations, and financial transactions.
- Consult a solicitor – Speak with a lawyer who specialises in probate and inheritance disputes.
- Engage a private investigator – Professional investigators can gather the evidence needed to support your case.
- Act quickly – The sooner you begin investigating, the better your chances of recovery.
- Consider mediation – In some cases, mediation may resolve issues without costly court proceedings.
- Report to authorities – Consider reporting to law enforcement if you suspect criminal activity.
How Can Global Investigations Help?
At Global Investigations, we understand how stressful and upsetting inheritance theft can be. Our licensed investigators offer confidential consultations and create investigation plans tailored to your situation. We gather evidence carefully and provide detailed reports that can be used in legal cases. We handle sensitive family matters discreetly throughout the process and can work closely with your solicitor or law firm.
Our team has extensive experience in inheritance investigations across England, Scotland, and Wales. We also handle international cases, helping to trace assets that may have been moved overseas.
Take Action to Protect Your Rightful Inheritance
If you suspect you’ve been deprived of your rightful inheritance, don’t delay seeking professional help. The sooner you investigate, the better your chances of recovering what you’re entitled to receive.
Global Investigations offers a confidential initial consultation to discuss your concerns and advise on possible next steps. Our fees are transparent, and we’ll work efficiently to safeguard your interests.
Expert assistance can make all the difference when important family legacies and significant sums are at stake. Contact us today to discuss how we can help protect your inheritance rights.