We offer trusted probate advice, managing estates with care, privacy, and efficiency.
Visit Private Client Services
Click here to download our brochure.
Finders International work with councils, coroners, hospitals, housing associations and care homes across the UK and Ireland. We assist with tracing heirs to property, estates, assets and unclaimed funds, as well as locating next of kin to arrange and attend funerals.
Visit Public Sector Services
Click here to download our brochure.
Specialist probate insurances to protect executors, trustees, and estate assets.
Visit Insurances with Aviva
Discover how we identify heirs and next of kin, including distant or unknown relatives.
Find out more
See how we support legal professionals with expert heir tracing and estate solutions. Download the brochure to learn more.
Find out how we help councils and public bodies trace next of kin and manage estates. Download the brochure to learn more.
Being contacted out of the blue by a probate genealogy firm about a possible inheritance can feel unexpected. This page explains why you’ve been contacted by Finders International, what it means for your potential inheritance claim, and what to do next.
Finders International is an award-winning probate genealogy firm specialising in tracing missing heirs and beneficiaries worldwide. We work with legal professionals, such as solicitors, local authorities, and estate administrators, to help identify and locate individuals who may be entitled to an inheritance.
By using expert genealogical research and verified records, our work ensures estates are distributed correctly and fairly, even when family connections are not immediately clear.
Read more About Us here – https://www.findersinternational.com/about-us/
You may have been contacted because someone has passed away without a Will, or without a clear or complete Will, and you could be entitled to inherit from their estate. In some cases, we are also instructed to trace beneficiaries of unclaimed or overlooked assets, such as dormant accounts, policies, or abandoned property. If the original named beneficiary has passed away, entitlement to these assets may pass to their next of kin or personal representative. In these circumstances, legal professionals must make every effort to identify and contact anyone who may be eligible to benefit.
As part of this process, forensic genealogical research is conducted to build a family tree. If our research suggests that you are related to the deceased – even distantly – you may be entitled to a share of the estate.
It’s important to note:
Finders International uses specialist research methods to locate individuals who may be beneficiaries of an estate.
This may involve:
Our probate research specialists verify all connections carefully before making contact, ensuring claims are accurate and legitimate.
If you have been contacted, our research suggests there may be a connection between you and an estate. Every case is different, but the process typically follows the stages below.
Usually within a few days
You receive a letter, phone call, email or visit from one of our representatives explaining the situation and why we believe you may be connected to the estate.
Typically 1–2 weeks
If you decide to proceed, we provide an agreement outlining our services and fees. In many cases, fees are only payable if you receive an inheritance
Typically 1–3 weeks
We ask for information and supporting documents to confirm your identity and relationship to the deceased. You will also be given access to our secure Client Portal, where you can upload documents, complete forms and track progress.
Typically 2–12 weeks
Our researchers verify family connections, gather supporting evidence and prepare the documentation required to establish entitlement. We may contact you if additional information is needed.
Typically 1–6 months
Once our research is complete, we provide our findings to the solicitor, executor or administrator. In some cases, we may continue to assist with related services such as asset searches or overseas asset enquiries, while the wider estate administration process continues.
What Happens After Finders International Completes Its Research?
Typically 6–24 months
The estate’s legal representatives obtain probate (where required), collect estate assets, settle debts and taxes, and prepare the estate for distribution.
Final Stage
Once all legal, financial and tax matters have been resolved, beneficiaries receive their inheritance and the estate can be finalised.
Most estates take between 12 and 24 months to administer, although more complex estates can take longer. Throughout the process, our secure Client Portal allows you to upload documents, access information and stay informed about your case.
Want to understand the wider probate process?
Learn more about estate administration, probate procedures and typical timescales.
Looks like you’re on the UK site, choose another location to see content for you.
