Private Client Services

Family Tree Verification & Research Service

We are frequently instructed to verify family tree research before assets or funds are distributed to the assumed next of kin. This forms an essential part of an estate practitioner’s due diligence and plays a critical role in risk management—helping to prevent incorrect distributions and protect all parties involved.

Why Verification Is Crucial for Risk Mitigation

Errors in family tree research can arise more easily than expected, leading to costly legal challenges. Common causes include:

Relying on a single family member as the main source of information

Family secrets, hidden relationships, or mistaken testimony

Use of inexperienced or under-resourced researchers

Dependence on online sources, which can have transcription error rates as high as 10%

We regularly encounter cases where solicitors have been provided with incomplete, inaccurate or outdated family information. Our research has prevented an incorrect distribution of estate assets and safeguarded clients from reputational damage and future claims.

All of our quotes are prepared free of charge and will highlight areas of risk or possible omissions along with our suggestions on how to remedy these problems.

Contact us for further help or advice.

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