Beneficiaries

Making connections
is our business

If you have been contacted by Kin Probate we believe you or someone you know may be entitled to share in an estate we are assisting with.

It is likely that this will come as a complete surprise to you but we are here to help you through every step of the process. We use our experience and expertise to identify and locate beneficiaries and, crucially, prove entitlement to ensure beneficiaries receive their windfall.

Questions & Answers

What is probate genealogy?

Probate genealogy is the research involved in identifying and locating the next-of-kin to a deceased person.

Who are Kin?

We are a firm of probate genealogists who specialise in tracing beneficiaries, especially to unclaimed estates where the deceased left no will.

Why have I been contacted?

Our investigations suggest that you or someone you know may be a beneficiary to an unclaimed estate.

When a person dies without making a will, their estate become ‘intestate’, meaning there is no instruction as to what to do with them.

Often the services of a firm of genealogists are not required because the next-of-kin is known. However there are occasions where next-of-kin need to be identified and located.

How have Kin Probate become involved?

With no known next of kin there is no one to instruct solicitors to wind up the estate, funds cannot be made available to locate any beneficiaries. Kin Probate attempt to locate heirs at our own expense/ risk.

Sometimes our research finds no next-of-kin and the expenses we incur can never be recovered. If there are no next-of-kin or no attempt is made to trace any next-of-kin then the estate passes to the Crown.

How are your fees paid?

We work on a commission basis.

Our fee is calculated as a percentage of your net entitlement. It is deducted at source by the administrating solicitors and sent to us at the same time as the estate is distributed to the beneficiaries.

There are no hidden charges. If the located heirs receive nothing then Kin Probate receive nothing.

Can I have a copy of the family tree?

We work on a commission basis.

Absolutely! When our final report is submitted to the solicitor we can provide you with a copy, free of charge.

How have you located me?

When we make contact with you, it is usually as a result of a methodical research project into the family history of the deceased.

We use a wide range of public resources and historical records, online technology and our own in-house databases, which are regularly updated. We also utilise a worldwide network of trusted agents, when our research takes us overseas.

What happens now?

If you are indeed a beneficiary, we make sure you are happy with our terms of business and will ask you to sign a commission agreement.

Once all our research has been completed we provide the administrating solicitors with a comprehensive report detailing and evincing your claim so you can secure your entitlement.

The report will contain details of the family history as well as a complete family tree, enabling the solicitor to calculate each beneficiary’s share of the estate. In due course the solicitors handling the administration will send you your cheque.

How long will it take?

The probate process can take some time to complete with timeframes of 18-24 months not unusual.

Please feel free to contact us at any stage.

Glossary of terms

The person appointed to settle the financial affairs of the deceased: winds up the estate and distributes the assets of the deceased in accordance to intestacy rules.
The person due to inherit from the estate of a deceased person.
Bona Vacantia is a Latin phrase for ‘ownerless property’. If there is no rightful owner the property will go to the Crown.
Property/ finances held by the deceased.
The formal procedure by which an administrator is appointed. It enables the administrator to access any funds held in the deceased name.
Where someone has died without making a will.
A named beneficiary in a will.
The research involved in locating and identifying the next-of-kin of a deceased person: sometimes, informally referred to as ‘heir hunting’.
A person entitled to share in the ‘residue’ (remainder) of an estate.
Someone who is entitled to inherit the remainder within a will.
The male/female that has left a valid will.
The instructions left as to the distribution of the deceased’s estate.

Code of Ethics

  • Behave with integrity and sensitivity at all times and treat people fairly irrespective of their race, gender, colour, creed, age or sexual orientation.
  • All confidential information obtained in the course of business will be held as such and the provisions of the Data Protection Act shall be adhered to.
  • Offer candid, concise advice in plain English.
  • Communication to be provided promptly with updates to be provided at regular intervals.
  • Present research in clear, logical manner.
  • Explain without concealment all fees, charges and payment structures.
  • Keep adequate records.
  • Avoid unnecessary duplication of effort and research.
  • Where applicable, declare any personal or financial interest.
  • Staff are encouraged to resolve any dispute and/ or complaint in a prompt and professional manner.
  • Staff must report to management any colleague who they suspect may be in breach of this code.

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you might have.

CONTACT US
Kin Probate came highly recommended and traced a family member for me in a compassionate and helpful way. The search was completed in a timely manner … Outstanding service. Thank You

M.Bradley

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