We have an absolutely fascinating programme called "Heir Hunters" broadcast on morning television over here. It centres on the work of a company which follows up intestate deaths and tries to find relatives of the deceased. In this country, if you die without a will and no-one can be found who is related to you - Spouses, sons, daughters, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, aunts and uncle and cousins.
If and when a potential beneficiary is found s/he has the choice of using the company to deal with the necessary work or to follow it up themselves. Obviously if they choose to have the company do it they pay a percentage of the inheritance.
It isn't just voyeurism. The way the company's staff research the deceased's life and follow up leads is really interesting and I'd love to be on the research team.
