Probate research is a special job requiring special skills

Careers in the legal sector take many forms. Probate research is a unique area of law that touches all kinds of people. Famous faces, landed gentry, minor royals, persons of no fixed abode, a former neighbour, and an old school friend – just some of the people I have distributed inheritances to in my 21-year career in probate research.

Inheritance law can be a tricky thing and it can be a challenge navigating the complexities involved in passing on a person’s estate. Probate researchers combine knowledge of probate (the process completed when a deceased person leaves assets to be distributed, such as bank accounts, real estate and financial investments) and research, predominantly the practise of genealogy, but also with a heavy side of investigation, sleuthing and occasional potluck.

Paralegals
Probate researchers are all technically paralegals, due to the legal nature of their job, but while there are no specific qualifications or experience required to work in this field, success in this profession hinges on an individual’s tenacity, curiosity, professionalism and passion. While certain degrees in areas such as law, history or genealogy can be advantageous, Finders International, the largest probate research firm in the UK, has always stressed the value of hands-on training.

This emphasis on growth and practical knowledge mirrors the approach taken by paralegals in the legal field, which is why Finders International counts numerous NALP (National Association of Licensed Paralegals) members among its ranks, overseeing thousands of cases each year and facilitating the distribution of millions in unclaimed funds to rightful heirs.

Finders International’s dedication to maintaining high standards in an unregulated industry is underscored by the NALP Code of Conduct and Ethics, as well as their own Code of Conduct and the one set forth by the International Association of Professional Probate Researchers (IAPPR).

Team effort

At Finders International, our research teams (private client, public sector, public domain) engage in regular discussions with clients, focusing on estates where beneficiaries are missing and unaware of their potential windfall. These beneficiaries could potentially inherit anything from a specific item of value (such as ‘my finest crockery’ or £200) to substantial sums ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of pounds.

Solving a probate case requires a collaborative effort. Once the probate researcher receives the initial correspondence, a series of actions are initiated, including providing a quote, conducting thorough family research, reaching out to potential heirs, and utilising our extensive network of genealogists, private investigators, and forensic probate experts, both within the UK and internationally. Sometimes the case is closed quite quickly, but others can take years. I recently settled a case that took a decade due to various uncommon factors.