News & Media

The Regulatory Body for Probate Genealogy Services sponsors the Probate Research Awards

The International Association of Professional Probate Researchers (IAPPR) is thrilled to announce our sponsorship of the International Probate Researcher of the Year award at the upcoming UK Probate Research Awards.

As an organisation dedicated to promoting the highest standards of professional probate research, it is our honour to recognize and celebrate the achievements of the most outstanding researchers in the industry. The International Probate Researcher of the Year award recognizes excellence in probate research on a global scale, highlighting the invaluable contributions of probate researchers in identifying heirs and beneficiaries, locating missing heirs, and uncovering genealogical information.

At IAPPR, we are committed to promoting professional development, sharing best practices, and encouraging collaboration among our members. We believe that by recognizing and supporting excellence in our field, we can continue to advance the probate research industry and provide the highest level of service to our clients.

We encourage all members of the probate research industry, including genealogists, lawyers, and forensic researchers to participate in the UK Probate Research Awards. By celebrating the achievements of our colleagues, we can strengthen our industry, enhance our professionalism, and promote the highest ethical standards.

We look forward to the awards taking place at One Great George Street on the 20^th April and wish all nominees that very best of luck.

If you would like to contact the IAPPR for any information or advice, visit www.IAPPR.org or contact +44 (0)20 3859 4426 or [email protected].

This article has been posted on behalf of IAPPR.

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2022 Awards

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Tower Street Finance – a deep dive into our sponsor for The Unsung Hero award category

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Estatesearch recognising Private Deputyship Firms for the 2022 Probies

Estatesearch is delighted to be sponsoring the ‘Best Private Deputyship Firm’ award at the UK Probate Research Awards. This award recognises the vital role that deputyship firms perform in safeguarding the affairs of vulnerable clients. It rewards the important work they do in this specialist field and honours the trust and sensitivity of their role.

This is an area of great importance to Estatesearch, as one of our main aims is to protect vulnerable individuals such as those who lack mental capacity. We work with deputies up and down the country to achieve this through our comprehensive and efficient services, such as our Financial Profile Service which identifies missing assets in estates whilst mitigating risk.

For more information on any of our services, visit our website www.estatesearch.co.uk, email [email protected] or call us on 0330 900 1700.

This article has been posted on behalf of EstateSearch.

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Third time winners at the UK Probate Research Awards 2021

Ramsdens Private Client team did it again!

They have won the ‘Best Probate Law Firm North England’ at the UK Probate Research Awards 2021 for the third year in a row against stiff competition.

The virtual 2021 awards was hosted by British criminal barrister and television personality…Rob Rinder and whilst they weren’t able to host their usual charity fundraiser they donated half of the funds received from nominations to Reengage.

Reengage is a charity that is positive about older age and committed to fighting loneliness to that people can have social lives and friendship groups however old they are.

Paul Joyce, Managing Partner  said:

“Congratulations to all the finalists and winners.  It’s been a challenging year but we’re incredibly proud of how our team continued to deliver the same high quality of service our clients expect and deserve. Winning this award for the third year in a row is a great achievement for every single member of the team.”

This article has been first published in yorkshire-business.co.uk

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Hat-trick win for Finders International at the Probate Research Awards

An entrepreneur with a regular presence on the BBC’s hit show ‘Heir Hunters’ has been awarded an accolade by Rob Rinder at a national awards ceremony celebrating excellence in forensic genealogy – commonly known as ‘heir hunting’

Heir hunting entrepreneur, Danny Curran who founded forensic genealogy firm, was awarded the Probate Research Firm of the Year title at the 2021 Probate Research Awards held online recently, and presented by criminal barrister, Rob Rinder - star of Judge Rinder. Curran’s firm, was awarded the highest accolade at the event in recognition of its work across ‘heir hunting’, or probate research – the process of helping next of kin become reunited with estates they often had no idea existed. Curran’s firm went on to win in additional categories for its staff members, and was highly commended in others.

Unofficially known as ‘The Probies’, the awards, were created in recognition that probate research has grown as a profession that provides an invaluable public service to local authorities and the wider legal industry, while presenting some of the most fascinating stories about family, society and life.

This is also the third consecutive year that Curran’s firm has won the ‘Probate Research Firm of the Year’ beating competitors operating in the same market. Curran, who is a regular on the BBC’s Heir Hunters television programme has been featured across the media uncovering fascinating stories of family histories which he and his firm have carefully pieced together on behalf of relatives and the legal industry all over the UK, and internationally. An industry of stories Typical stories range from unexpected windfalls and reunification of families, while investigative efforts from probate researchers, or ‘heir hunters’, have supported councils, solicitors and families around the world - in the process of piecing together next of kin when someone died intestate (without a will).

A fringe industry taking centre stage

Geoffrey Odds, company secretary of the International Association of Professional Probate Researchers and Genealogists (IAPPR) commented: “After years of being consigned to a fringe legal support service, it’s encouraging to watch how each year, this fascinating and helpful industry continues to grow in recognition, and thrive. As ever, it’s of utmost importance that as more people are attracted to work in this global industry, that integrity, trust and professionalism is maintained - and these awards recognise firms that excel in every area of upholding best standards.

This article has been first published in bdaily.co.uk

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HEIR HUNTERS RECOGNISED AT PROBATE RESEARCH AWARDS 2021

Genealogy firm Finders International celebrated a triple win at the Probate Research Awards 2021.

Finders International took home the Probate Research Firm of the Year award for the third year running, and its staff were highly commended in a number of other categories. Amy Cox of Finders was also recognised as best probate research paralegal, while Amy Fabris won for best human interest story. Danny Curran, the firm's founder (pictured), collected its awards.

The awards’ popularity demonstrates growing recognition for the probate research profession and the service it provides to local authorities and the wider legal industry.

Geoffrey Odds, company secretary of the International Association of Professional Probate Researchers and Genealogists (IAPPR) commented: ‘After years of being consigned to a fringe legal support service, it’s encouraging to watch how each year, this fascinating and helpful industry continues to grow in recognition, and thrive. As ever, it’s of utmost importance that as more people are attracted to work in this global industry, that integrity, trust and professionalism is maintained—and these awards recognise firms that excel in every area of upholding best standards.’

This article has been first published in newlawjournal.co.uk

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Charles Russell Speechlys ‘Highly Commended’ as South of England Probate Law Firm

19 May 2021 – Charles Russell Speechlys in Guildford was ‘Highly Commended’ at the UK Probate Awards 2021 in the category of Best Probate Law Firm, South England.

The UK Probate Research Awards, known as the Probies, recognise excellence in law firm service delivery and the support given by law firms to probate researchers. They celebrate the achievements and skills of forensic genealogists, recognising the best of the best.

Charles Russell Speechlys’ estate administration hub in Guildford is ranked in the top tiers for both Legal 500 and Chambers Legal Directories and has a reputation for being caring, approachable and highly skilled.  Led by highly experienced and specialised lawyers, Charles Russell Speechlys’ dedicated probate offering enables clients to benefit from access to lawyers from other specialisms within the firm, such as private property, real estate disputes, private wealth disputes and insolvency, to assist with complex estates.

Sally Ashford, Partner, Charles Russell Speechlys comments, “Huge congratulations to the whole team on receiving the ‘Highly Commended’ Award at the Probies.  This is a strong reflection of the expertise provided by our team and also recognises our hard work and achievements over the last year.

“This has been our first year on the panel of preferred lawyers for Finders International Genealogists who are famed heir hunters, locating missing beneficiaries across the world. Our relationship with Finders has blossomed and we are thrilled that they nominated us as Best Probate Law Firm in the South.”

This article has been first published in surrey-chambers.co.uk

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Two Harrison Drury solicitors shortlisted for prestigious industry award

Becci Haffner and Holly Radcliffe, both from the firm’s private client team, are finalists in the UK Probate Research Awards, recognising the achievements and talents of wills and probate professionals.

They are shortlisted in the Young Wills and Probate Professional category which celebrates young solicitors who have excelled in their roles or made a significant difference to their firms. In this category only five individuals have been shortlisted nationally.

Clare Fleming, head of Harrison Drury’s private client team, said: “Being an effective wills and probate lawyer not only requires a great deal of technical knowledge, it also calls for diplomacy, empathy and great communication skills.

“Both Holly and Becci both personify these qualities. They have made a tremendous contribution to our wills and probate service and to our clients on a day-to-day basis during the pandemic. I am delighted this has been recognised by the UK Probate Research Awards.”

Holly qualified as a solicitor in 2019 and joined Harrison Drury’s private client team in 2020. She is based in the Garstang and Lancaster offices and specialises in all non-contentious matters including wills, powers of attorney, the administration of the estates and Court of Protection work.

Becci joined Harrison Drury in 2014 as executive administrator, and qualified as a solicitor in 2020. She is based at the firm’s Clitheroe office and has developed a specialism in the administration of trusts and assisting on complex probate matters. She is also able to advise on contentious probate matters.

Clare added: “Holly has demonstrated the maturity that is usually gained only after extensive experience working in the legal profession. This is reflected in her rapport with clients, with many recommending her to their family and friends. She is an absolute role model to those coming into the legal profession.”

“Becci has technical knowledge of a solicitor much senior than her years. Her strength of character and ability to support others at work is commendable. She has the ability to meticulously deal with complicated matters and is a great asset to the firm.”

This article has been first published in lancashirebusinessreview.co.uk

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