Finders International: Advice Issued for Lawyers Specialising in Heir Hunters & Probate Researchers

Getting your facts right  Getting your facts right   Over-reliance by solicitors, administrators or executors on family testimony, without independent verification to establish information about the devolution of an estate is often a big mistake. There are numerous cautionary tales for solicitors who accept without question the word of family members on who is or isn't related to the deceased and by what degree of kinship. Finders International handled the case of an intestate estate of...

Getting your facts right 

Over-reliance by solicitors, administrators or executors on family testimony, without independent verification to establish information about the devolution of an estate is often a big mistake. There are numerous cautionary tales for solicitors who accept without question the word of family members on who is or isn't related to the deceased and by what degree of kinship.

Finders International handled the case of an intestate estate of £400k, where the solicitor wanted a 'simple verification' that their client, an elderly lady, was the sole heir as her late brother's surviving beneficiary. However, research by Finders International uncovered that she had disowned her nephew years earlier, not recognising him as part of her family despite being lawfully entitled to half the estate.

Children, siblings and half-siblings have been overlooked over the years. Families lose touch or forget how many relatives they have. Children are born out of wedlock and adoptions occur.

Many administrators seem certain they have identified all beneficiaries and feel taking out insurance cover against any possible further claims is a waste of money. However, there are an increasing number of claims where no traditional documentation (such as birth certificates exists), and DNA evidence is increasing in frequency, making insurance cover more important than ever.

Professional standards

The table below is a list of professional standards available to probate research firms.

Daniel Curran, Founder/MD of Finders International. 9/12/2019.

About Finders International:

Finders International identifies and traces heirs to estates, property, and assets worldwide. We are award-winning probate researchers – also known as 'Heir Hunters' – serving the public sector, private client legal departments, solicitors, lawyers, trust and estate administration, and unclaimed asset departments worldwide. We have extensive credentials and accreditations that are unparalleled in our industry. Finders International's services are fast, efficient, and cost-effective, and we have a team of approximately 100 UK & Irish personnel with a tried and trusted global network ready to assist.

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Contact:

Phone: +44 (0)20 7490 4935
Email: [email protected]
Web: https://www.findersinternational.co.uk/
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