Probate Research
Probate Research
With over 57% of the UK population dying intestate, demand has never been higher for a professional partner skilled in probate genealogy and tracing. Locating beneficiaries worldwide our reliable service is fully documented and tailored to the individual solicitor requirements.
Our strength is in ‘Making the connection’—taking the smallest initial information and building complete family trees, or locate individuals, businesses and charities.
Leave your research in good hands and talk to the experts.
Our experienced researchers have access to the latest data from a range of leading data providers, including the latest birth, death and marriage registers.
About TraceInline
TraceInline provide genealogy based research and tracing services, primarily to the legal profession and clients. We assist Solicitors, Accountants, Executers / Administrators, and Beneficiaries in establishing and locating the rightful beneficiaries to an individual’s estate.
Established in 2012, our partners have 10 years’ experience in the industry, specialising in probate research and tracing missing beneficiaries in the UK and Worldwide.
Small enough for a personal service and big enough to meet any challenge.
On all occasions when we have used TraceInline we have found their approach to be very professional whilst at the same time remaining practical and approachable with regular updates on progress. When asked to produce a full report the presentation has been excellent.
, Private Client Partner, Warner Goodman LLP
Solicitor
Do you have a probate matter and need to find missing beneficiaries?
or a deceased estate with no next of kin?
We produce dozens of reports each year for solicitors to identify, locate and document those in line to inherit. Our insurance company approved reports make applying for Missing Beneficiaries Insurance simple and cost effective.
Quotations
We know how embarrassing it is to recommend a third party only to have the firm come back half way through demanding more money to complete the work.
By making preliminary enquiries (that may involve purchasing certificates), we establish a likely top line. Based on the size of the top line and the individual’s year of birth, we estimate the likely number of beneficiaries and time required.
A budget fee quote will then be issued in a set range and we will STICK TO THE BUDGET even if it takes us longer than the hours quoted. If it takes less time you will only be invoiced for the time taken.
You will receive a realistic quotation at the outset and can be confident it won’t be changed at a later date. The feedback we receive shows how much our clients value this approach.
Executer / Administrator
As the administrator you are responsible for ensuring the monies are distributed to the correct beneficiaries and are potentially liable for any mistakes. On larger estates the liability could be significant and the best way to protect yourself, is to have a professional researcher independently identify the beneficiaries and then use that research to obtain Missing Beneficiaries insurance.
Peace of mind that no one is missing and all reasonable steps have been taken.
We put a lot of effort into our reports to make sure they are of the highest quality and answer any questions in advance that the Insurance provider might ask. By having a thoroughly researched and documented report, the risk to the insurer is reduced, who in turn will offer their most competitive premium.
Individual
Are you a friend, neighbour, relative or representative of someone who has died and there is no family or Will to deal with the estate?
Maybe you have seen a solicitor who was unable to help, as there is no one authorised to instruct them.
We have an easy system to solve this by identifying those in line to inherit under UK Intestacy law.
Once the potential beneficiaries are located, they can then choose an administrator, instruct a solicitor and undertake a Missing Will search.
Even if you don’t believe there are any family, it is worth conducting the search, as in many cases we identify family members who were not part of the deceased’s life.
You will not be charged for the search, as any fee will be arranged with the beneficiaries found. We take on the risk that there are none.
Research Process
In our experience many families have secrets and it’s important that any research is solely based on documentary evidence rather than well-meaning family testimony.
It’s not just about confirming those on the tree that the family already know about, what is equally important is ensuring there is no one else. It is essential for the administrator that this step is completed rigorously.
Family testimony is useful to cross check information and ensure no one has been missed but it should never be relied on to distribute funds.
STEP 1 — Genealogy
In the absence of a Will, the rules of Intestacy dictate the order of potential beneficiaries; spouse, issue, parents or siblings will be considered. In the event that neither they nor their issue is still alive, we will move on to the Uncles and Aunts or their descendants.
Dates of birth, location and names of family members will all be used to help locate the correct person of that name.
Records searched include:
- Latest Birth Death & Marriage Registers
- General Records Office
- Parish Records
- Wills, Grants and Divorce Papers
STEP 2 — Address
The key to consistently achieving high success rates is to ensure the researchers are experienced and have access to the right data. We ensure our team has access to the best data sources available, using multiple systems to cross check information and reinforce the findings.
Records searched include:
- Address records including Electoral Role / Mail redirection
- Financial Records
- Marketing and Other Public Databases
- Library
STEP 3 — Investigation
If the address search is unsuccessful our friendly researchers will talk to friends, family or neighbours to find the individuals new address or if not, point us in the right direction. This can be really effective if the person has moved out of the area or overseas.
Some international data can be accessed directly from the UK, for the rest we have a network of overseas researchers who understand their local language and systems. In some jurisdictions only someone in the country can perform a search or obtain documents.
STEP 4 — Internet
The internet and social networks offer a wealth of resources for professional researchers. We’ve found individuals on major sites like Facebook and LinkedIn, travel sites documenting world trips and even those serving at her Majesties pleasure.
STEP 5 — Verification
Once the person has been located we will contact them directly to ensure the information is 100% accurate and up-to-date, corroboratory questions will be asked to confirm it is the right person of that name.
Every potential beneficiary is asked to complete a questionnaire about their family. This has a number of uses primarily to ensure the person is the correct person and is aware if their wider family but also to ensure that no-one is missed, such as adopted children or those fathered out of wedlock or overseas.
Auditable Data
All our data is ethically and legally obtained.
Situations
- Missing Beneficiaries
- Estate With No Next Of Kin
- Statutory Will Application
- Family Tree Verification
- Will Search
- Lost or Missing Asset Search
- Overseas Bankruptcy Check
- Documents & Certificates
What You Receive
- Single Bounded Report
- Family Tree
- Confirmed Contact Details
- Documentary Evidence
- Statutory Declaration (where appropriate)
Advantages
- Move Forward With Cases
- Keep The Administration
- Lower Client Costs
- Proceed Confidently Without Delay
- Fully Insured Up To £2m Per Estate
Quick links
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Individuals
If we have contacted you then we believe that you or someone immediate to you is part of an ongoing case and likely a missing heir.
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How We Work
We follow a 3 step process, based on the type of request and information provided. We maintain outstanding success rates due to our multi-pronged approach.
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Why Choose Us?
We have an outstanding success rates due to our multi-pronged approach and we tailor our service to your way of working.
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Meet the Partners
TraceInline was founded by Kerry Barnett and Martin Stamp in 2012. With 10 years’ experience working in the industry with Independent Probate Research.
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Cheaper Missing Beneficiary Insurance
Obtain cheaper Missing Beneficiary Insurance with an Insurance Company approved report (fully documented including family tree).
We are always happy to work with the insurance company or answer any questions they have after submitting our report, until they are completely satisfied and able to offer the lowest cost premium.
Contact Us
If you have an enquiry please contact us and we’ll be happy to help. To request a quote, start a search or send us a more detailed enquiry please use our main contact form.