Heir Tracing Services

IWC offer an heir tracing service for solicitors or other executors dealing with cases where there are no determined next of kin. We can save you valuable time and resources by finding missing relatives named within a will, or tracing the rightful heirs to estates where your client has no known next of kin. You can carry out work that would otherwise be lost and recover any expenses that you’ve already incurred.

We are specialist probate genealogists with access to records, archives and data to obtain fast results. Employing the use of sophisticated software and research techniques, we can trace missing relatives and discover unknown blood relationships. We have a team of overseas associates who can assist in searches abroad, allowing you to resolve cases that may otherwise be impossible.

As full members of the Heir Hunters Association, we operate with professionalism, discretion and confidentiality. Our services include:

Full research

Finding living descendants who often have lost touch with their relatives and have no idea of their family link requires extensive research. This may involve searches of census, electoral, probate, employment or historical records. Leads can also be perused by alternative means such as visiting the deceased last address.

Certified family trees to prove the relationship

Tracing the rightful heirs to an estate can mean going back generations. For the relationship to be accepted, a professional family tree is required to show the relationship with the deceased. This must be a thorough, accurate representation of lineage that’s free from any errors. IWC have a 98% acceptance rate.

All supporting certificates

Many claims fail due to an over reliance of internet information; transcription errors occur in around 10% of records. We will provide full documented evidence including birth, death and marriage certificates lied to satisfy HM Customs and Tribunals service.

Estate distribution schedules

As probate specialists, we can provide the support you need in ensuring distribution according to the laws of intestacy. In many cases, more than one heir is discovered. For example, if a distant cousin is found to be a successor, the chances are there may be others with the same entitlement and cases can become quite complex.

Help and advice

Even after estates have been administered and beneficiaries have received their inheritance, there can still be problems so it’s vital to receive expert advice. A missing beneficiary indemnity policy for instance ensures beneficiaries are protected in the event of other successful claims.

Heir hunting fees

Unlike other tracing services, we do not charge hefty contingency-based fees. Our rates are in proportion to the amount of work that needs to be carried out, rather than as a percentage of the deceased estate.

We can also offer our services on a no trace, no fee basis whereby we will endeavour to find an estate administrator and accept a deferred payment. Our fees can be settled from the estate later and you can retain work that would otherwise be lost.

Before you refer an estate to the Bona Vacantia, call us on 0800 612 6105.