James Empson
Head of Private Client Services
Senior Management
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Find out how we work with our Private Clients
We offer trusted probate advice, managing estates with care, privacy, and efficiency.
Visit Private Client Services
- Locate Missing Beneficiaries We trace missing heirs globally, ensuring every rightful beneficiary receives their due share. Administrator Search We help locate eligible administrators to manage estates without executors. Legal Rights Claimants (Scotland) Legal rights prevent a deceased from disinheriting close family members by granting an automatic entitlement to the movable estate. International Asset Services We identify and recover overseas assets held by the deceased for estate inclusion. Will Searches We conduct thorough will searches to locate the most recent valid document. Missing Document Service We retrieve key legal documents to support accurate estate administration and valuation.
- Family Tree Verification We research and verify family lines to confirm rightful heirs to an estate. Court of Protection Research Services We provide essential research to assist in deputyship and protection matters. Trustee Research We investigate and confirm the identity and location of appointed trustees. Overseas Bankruptcy Searches We check for bankruptcies abroad that may impact estate distributions. Asset Search We uncover hidden or forgotten assets to ensure complete estate valuation. Section 27 Trustee Act Notices & Insurance We manage statutory notices and offer insurance to protect trustees from claims.
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Find how out how we can help the Public Sector
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.
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- No known next of kin? We locate next of kin for councils, coroners, and public sector partners. Family Tree Verification We confirm family relationships to help safeguard public sector estate claims. Empty Homes Services Our free service assists local authorities in bringing empty homes back into use.
- Court of Protection Services We support deputies and appointees in managing property, assets, and estates. Funeral Fund We assist with accessing funding for funerals when no next of kin is found. Training and Support We provide expert-led training and ongoing support for public sector teams.
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Find out more about Insurances with Aviva
Specialist probate insurances to protect executors, trustees, and estate assets.
Visit Insurances with Aviva
- Missing Beneficiary Insurance Protects estate distribution when heirs cannot be located or confirmed. Missing Will Insurance Provides protection if a later, unknown will emerges after distribution. Bond of Caution A Scottish court-required insurance protecting estate beneficiaries and creditors.
- Early Distribution Insurance Covers costs arising from estate claims made after early distribution. Unoccupied Property Insurance Covers empty properties in estates, protecting against damage or legal risks. Trustee Insurance On the winding up of trusts, our verification of the entitled beneficiaries or class of kin enables practitioners to obtain Trustee Insurance for additional protection and mitigation of risk.
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Beneficiary Services
We help locate and support beneficiaries involved in estate administration, providing clear guidance through every stage of the process. -
Learn more about the main categories of Beneficiaries we trace
Discover how we identify heirs and next of kin, including distant or unknown relatives.
Find out more
- Beneficiary Questionnaire Collects key beneficiary details from both sides of the family for use in estate, legal, or insurance planning. FAQs Answers to common questions about our services and the probate process. Verify Finders Representative ID Check the credentials of our representatives for your peace of mind. Why Choose Finders Learn how our expertise and transparent approach support beneficiaries and executors. Our Solicitor Panel Firms & the Role of the Administrator Understand how we work with trusted solicitors to manage estates and represent beneficiaries. Intestacy Rules An overview of how estates are distributed when no valid will is found.
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Resources
Access helpful information to guide you through the probate process, including terminology, FAQs, and service brochures. -
See how we support legal professionals with expert heir tracing and estate solutions.
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Find out how we help councils and public bodies trace next of kin and manage estates.
- Glossary of Terms A handy reference explaining key probate and genealogy terms in plain English.
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News & Media
Stay informed with the latest updates, industry insights, and media coverage related to probate genealogy, heir tracing, and estate administration. -
All News & Media Explore the latest News, Media & podcasts covering a range of topics, direct from Finders.
Heir Hunters Heir Hunters is a popular BBC1 show featuring Finders International, an heir search firm.
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About Us
Discover the benefits of working with an experienced and reliable probate genealogy firm. -
About Us Discover the benefits of working with an experienced and reliable probate genealogy firm.
Why Choose Finders? Discover the benefits of working with an experienced and reliable probate genealogy firm.
Testimonials Hear from clients and partners about their experiences working with us.
Careers Find out about career opportunities and what it’s like to work at Finders International.
Our Team Meet the people behind our success – experienced genealogists, researchers, and support staff. -
Accreditations Our industry certifications and professional memberships that demonstrate our commitment to high standards.
CSR Learn how we give back through community initiatives, sustainability efforts, and ethical practices.
Awards A showcase of the awards and recognitions we have received in the probate and genealogy sectors.
Solicitor Panel Firms & The Role Of The Administrator Understand how we collaborate with solicitors and administrators to manage estates efficiently.