Beneficiaries

Our Probate Genealogy Work

We have helped solicitors to trace heirs for almost 40 years. The legal profession relies on our expertise in order to track down missing beneficiaries who have been specifically named in a will – these are people who have been named by the deceased, but no-one knows where they are.

However, when someone with no known relatives dies without leaving a will, there are no obvious heirs and so their estate passes to the Crown.

As a result, an industry has grown up, with people searching for missing heirs in the hope that they will earn a fee or percentage of the inheritance should relatives be found. These ‘heir hunters’ act on their own initiative and their research findings are only as accurate as their experience and expertise allow.

We employ more accredited genealogists*, legally qualified and independently regulated staff than any other UK probate research company. Our reputation for thoroughness and integrity is second to none.

Accuracy

For established and reputable probate genealogists such as Anglia Research, accuracy is everything. We don’t just find missing relatives. We also invest considerable time and effort so that we can prove our clients’ legal right to inherit from an estate.

Our commitment to accuracy means that you avoid problems and delays further down the line. Some cases are complex, some relatively simple. Either way, the Government Legal Department (on behalf of the Crown) demands a water-tight case before it will release any funds.

If we have contacted you it is because we believe you are entitled to a share of an inheritance. You may wish to take legal advice, but contact us as soon as you can.

Please don’t hesitate to phone us if you have any concerns. Our staff will go out of their way to explain anything that is unclear. We pride ourselves on the friendliness and approachability of our people and we aim to give every client a personalised service. For example, we’ll provide you with family trees and copies of all our research findings. We also offer a free ‘letterbox’ service for family members who didn’t previously know of each other’s existence.

To find out more about us, see our relatives’ FAQ, code of conduct, and clients’ testimonials. Alternatively, you can browse our case histories to learn more about the fascinating field of probate research.

*members of AGRA, ASGRA and AGI. In addition, most of our case managers hold paralegal practicing certificates and are regulated by the PPR, giving you the reassurance of an independent complaints procedure and compensation scheme. For more details, please see our accreditation page.

Working in partnership with the National Bereavement Service

National Bereavement Service (NBS) – we’re here when you need us most…

Most people have to take responsibility for practical arrangements after a death just once or twice so are not familiar with the long list of tasks that await them. These include registration, arranging a funeral and dealing with the person’s money and property which may need probate. All this has to be done during a time that is usually emotionally very painful.

The NBS team of advisors can cope with any and every question about what to do after a death. Usually, we have the answer but if we don’t, we will know who does. Our information service is free and impartial, working with people to identify the best solution in their circumstances using straight-forward language. We combine this with empathy and understanding of the experience of bereavement and, if needed, can direct people to longer term sources of emotional support.

Call us on 0800 024 6121, email using info@theNBS.org or use the live chat at www.theNBS.org.

Our Probate Genealogy Work

Accuracy

Working in partnership with the National Bereavement Service

Free Initial Consultation

Compliance & Accreditation

Offices