Laywers
Assisting lawyers in tracing and locating missing beneficiaries.
Abel Associates are a firm of probate genealogists and were established to assist the legal profession in tracing missing or unknown beneficiaries to estates. Our experienced researchers have access to an extensive range of resources, and the expertise to provide solutions to your otherwise ‘problem’ cases. We pride ourselves on being able to offer our clients a personal service and ensure that you are kept fully informed and in control of your case at all stages of research.
Access to, and experience with a variety of online genealogical resources, as well as use of traditional archives, enables us to commence work as soon as we receive your instructions to proceed. We have established contacts with researchers worldwide ensuring that international research is rarely a problem.
Our services for Lawyers
Whatever your requirements, from a full intestacy, to the supply of a single document, you can be assured of a thorough, professional and prompt service.
Each case is unique and we will work with you to establish our most suitable payment structure. After assessment of the information you are able provide, we will normally undertake preliminary searches on a complimentary basis to ensure we are able to provide an accurate estimate of the work involved.
Our services for Lawyers
Full Intestacy
As always, our free initial assessment will give you an idea of the scale of the task, then leave it with us.
Thorough research and specific knowledge of intestacy and succession law will ensure you are presented with a full report detailing fractional entitlements, diagrammatic family tree, copies of all relevant documentation and proof of identity of all heirs located.
You can be assured that all entitled persons will be identified, and, for full peace of mind for the Personal Representatives, we can assist with obtaining quotations for missing beneficiary indemnity insurance.
Perhaps there are no known kin of the deceased and you are yet to be formally instructed – contact us. We can swiftly put you in contact with kin in order for you to proceed and gain instructions to administer the estate.
Family Tree Check
You may have been presented with a seemingly complete family tree by your client on an intestacy matter – contact us. From ‘forgotten’ siblings, to unknown illegitimate issue, having a professional genealogist carefully examine the tree is the only way to ensure correct distribution.
Statutory Wills
We have extensive experience in assisting clients in Court of Protection matters. At this sensitive stage, we can undertake full research and produce a family tree for your client without making contact with any potential beneficiaries, enabling you to confidently make your statutory will application.
Tracing Beneficiaries
Using birth, death and marriage records, electoral rolls or up to date credit reference databases, we can locate that missing legatee. Often with the most limited information, we can successfully trace an individual and obtain the necessary proof of identity if required. We use excellent international researchers to assist with overseas beneficiaries where needed.
Obtaining official documents
Our document ordering service is here should you require:
- Birth and death certificates
- Marriage and civil partnership certificates
- Adoption certificates
- Copies of Decree Absolutes
- Wills
- Grants
Check the fees page for more information on our various costing options.
Specialists and trusted in our sector
Abel Associates a part of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) and registered with the ICO.
