Surrey Comet : Just Clear praised for quality of service and transparency
A Kingston-based household clearance company won the 'best property clearance firm' award at the UK Probate Research Awards.
Just Clear received the award during the presentation ceremony, which took place earlier this month (February 7).
The awards are held annually to celebrate the achievements and skills of forensic genealogists — individuals, groups and companies who specialize in family history and inheritance.
The company was credited by judges who awarded them the prize for their high levels of service and transparency under often difficult and emotionally-charged circumstances.
Just Clear Founder Brenden O'Shea praised his team after receiving the award and also thanked the communities the company works with for their support.
Mr O'Shea said: "It’s not often that companies in our industry are recognised – and we are thrilled to be awarded this prestigious accolade for our work. It is a credit to the teamwork and company culture. It’s all about people and we have identified this as the key element of our success. A huge thanks for all the support."
Just Clear specialize in house clearance and dealing with probate assets — those identified in a deceased person's will — and recently received a letter from the legendary broadcaster and naturalist Sir David Attenborough for their efforts to minimize waste.
Their work often confronts them with materials that can be both fascinating and challenging in equal measure.
Among recent finds (pictured) were the propeller of a First World War aeroplane manufactured in Kingston, and unused ordinance shells that forced a street closure in Tooting while Just Clear worked with a bomb disposal unit to remove them from the property in question safely.
This article was first published in SurreyComet
Just Clear win Best Property Clearance Firm 2019 at the UK Probate Research Awards
Just Clear are delighted to have been awarded the Best Property Clearance Firm award 2019 at the UK Probate Research Awards!
Thank you so much to all of their clients who they have been able to help out over the past year and the UK Probate Research Awards for acknowledging their work.
The UK Probate Research Awards were celebrated on 7 February 2019 at The Mermaid, Puddle Dock, London and awarded companies for their achievements and examples of excellence across forensic genealogy.
Age UK, the UK’s largest charity supporting older people, received the proceeds of a silent auction on a fantastic Awards night.
This is just the latest in a long list of awards that we at Just Clear are so proud to call our own!
Similar article has been published in Just Clear website.
Finders win multiple awards at UK Probate Research Awards 2019
Finders International has scooped 5 awards at the first ever UK Probate Research Awards 2019.
Finders won the prestigious award for Best UK Probate Research Firm, as well as awards for Best Community Contribution (David Lockwood – Finders), Best Human Interest Story – the case of Barbara Williams, represented by Amy Cox from Finders and Lawrence Taylor, Best Probate Research Paralegal (Katie Watson – Finders), and Best International Probate Researcher (Ryan Gregory – Finders).
The awards ceremony, the first of its kind, was held in London on Thursday 7th February and presented by the BBC’s Nikki Bedi.
The awards recognise probate research companies and individuals that provide an invaluable public service.
Almost £1000 was raised for Age UK and the Dania Scandinavian School in London in a silent auction.
Details on the UK Probate Research Awards 2020 will soon be released.
Find out who else won on the night: https://www.todayswillsandprobate.co.uk/main-news/uk-probate-research-award-2019-winners-announced/
Contact Finders to conduct probate research on your behalf. A wide range of services offered, such as missing will service, finding missing heirs and more.
This article has been first published in Finders International
People inherit properties worth over £100,000 thanks to Oxford 'heir hunters'
PEOPLE around the county have received the surprising news that they have inherited properties worth hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Law firm Blake Morgan, which operates in Oxford, has won an award for helping reunite people with estates that they had no idea existed – also known as ‘heir hunting.’
One case led by Blake Morgan's Sam Hardy involved a deceased man’s next of kin inheriting a terraced house in Oxford worth between £100,000 and £200,000.
The family, who had to be traced by genealogists, had no idea their relative had left a will, which was tracked down after an in-depth investigation by Blake Morgan.
The executors named in the will were unable to act, and were renounced.
But the family member was one of the parties named and therefore inherited the estate which they later sold.
Blake Morgan was crowned the Best Probate Law Firm in Central England for 'outstanding contribution to heir hunting'.
James Greig, head of the wills, probate, tax and trusts team based in Oxford, said: “The death of a loved one is always difficult and a challenging time and so we provide expert advice, assistance and reassurance to make the process of inheritance as straightforward as possible.
“We are proud to be able to reunite families with their inheritance and see the impact that this can have on their lives.”
Latest government figures show there are some 9,000 unclaimed estates in the UK, meaning that there are many cases where property, money, and other assets remain unclaimed.
The law firm, which provides advice on all aspects of wealth protection and inheritance planning for individuals and their families, was commended by judges for providing expert advice to clients under often difficult and emotionally charged circumstances.
Mr Greig said: “While death can be a difficult subject that many of us choose to avoid, the heir hunting process can be complex and lengthy so our advice is to always make sure that you have arrangements in place to ensure that your final wishes are met.”
The UK Probate Research Awards, the first of its kind globally, were created in recognition of the fact that probate research has emerged as a profession, which provides an invaluable public and legal service.
This article has been first published in Oxford Mail.
Law firm Blandy & Blandy scoops honour from Probate Research
A Thames Valley law firm was among the winners of this year’s UK Probate Research Awards.
Held in London on Thursday, February 7, the event promised to single out ‘the best of the best’ – and Reading-based Blandy & Blandy LLP was named Best Probate Law Firm – London/South East, with partner Caroline Casagranda joined by six colleagues from the firm’s Probate, Tax and Trusts team to celebrate.
Home to one of the largest and most established private client teams in the region, Blandy & Blandy is ranked as a top tier firm in both of the UK’s leading guides to law firms, Chambers and The Legal 500.
Ms Casagranda said: “We are delighted to have been named as the leading law firm in London and the south east of England advising on probate related matters. Congratulations and thank you to our dedicated and hard-working team.
We are committed to providing our clients with highly effective legal advice, an understanding, helpful and supportive service and an excellent overall experience and believe that this award firmly reflects that.”
This article has been first published in Workingham.
Similar news has been published by Henley Standard
Ramsdens wins prestigious UK award for ‘heir hunting’ excellence
Ramsdens Solicitors LLP based in Yorkshire has been recognised for their outstanding contribution to ‘heir hunting’, or probate research – the process of helping next of kin become reunited with estates they often had no idea existed, at The UK Probate Research Awards.
Celebrating the achievements and examples of excellence across forensic genealogy (or heir hunting), the UK Probate Research Awards, presented by the BBC’s Nikki Bedi, took place on 7 February in London.
Supported by Aviva Legal Indemnities, and the National Association of Licenced Paralegals (NALP),the UK Probate Research Awards – also a global first – were created in recognition of the fact that probate research has emerged as a profession, which provides a constant stream of good news stories while providing an invaluable public and legal service. Welcome windfalls and reunification of families are regular events, while instrumental research and essential services support the legal world.
Ramsdens, a full practice firm in Yorkshire – was commended by judges for their high levels of service under often difficult and emotionally charged circumstances.
Paul Joyce, Managing Partner at Ramsdens, commented: “I am proud of our entire Private Client team. Everyone has contributed to Ramsdens winning this award, which is a testament to our lawyers and support teams across our 14 offices.”
Age UK, the UK’s largest charity supporting older people, benefited from the silent auction which raised £1000,00 on the night.
Other highlights from the evening included Danny Curran, a star of BBC’s Heir Hunters television programme winning Best UK Probate Research Firm of the Year for his company, Finders International.
This post has been first published in Yorkshire Business.
First Of Its Kind – UK Probate Research Awards Set For 7 February 2019
- Supported by National Association of Paralegals (NALP) and Aviva Legal Indemnities
- Endorsed by the Association of Professional Probate Researchers (IAPPR)
- Presented by BBC personality, Nikki Bedi
- Age UK benefits from Awards silent auction proceeds
- Nominations close 20 January 2019
A world first, The UK Probate Research Awards will celebrate the achievements and examples of excellence across forensic genealogy, with the inaugural event taking place on 7 February 2019 at The Mermaid, Puddle Dock, London.
The Awards, supported by Aviva Legal Indemnities and the National Association of Licenced Paralegals (NALP), have been created in recognition that probate research has emerged as a profession, which provides a constant stream of good news stories while providing an invaluable public service. Welcome windfalls and reunification of families are regular events, while instrumental research and essential services support the legal world.
Directors from the International Association of Professional Probate Researchers and Genealogists (IAPPR) commented: “Recognising the work of individuals who serve in this fascinating industry, both locally and abroad, is long overdue not least due to the invaluable support it provides to Government agencies and the legal industry, but also to families around the world.”
Amanda Hamilton, chief executive of NALP, commented: “The UK Probate Research Awards is instrumental in attracting and promoting probate genealogy as a rich and rewarding career path for paralegals, so we are delighted to promote an initiative raising the profile of the industry.”
The Awards, to be presented by Nikki Bedi, writer and presenter of the Arts Hour on BBC World Service, in addition to regular on BBC 4’s Loose Ends, Woman’s Hour and BBC London, has been organised by Meerkat PR – the public relations firm specialising in national press exposure to companies around the UK.
Meerkat PR’s director, David Stoch, commented: “Stories from the world of probate genealogy have gained increasing public interest as the industry has upped its profile, not least through the national press but also recent TV docudramas. Therefore, we’ll be celebrating the strides taken to raise the industry out of the dark ages of fringe legal support services to what it’s really about – families, history and dying wishes being fulfilled.”
Age UK, the UK’s largest charity supporting older people, are to benefit from the proceeds of a silent auction on the Awards night.
Nominations for entries close on 20 January 2019.
To book individual or group tables, email: [email protected]
Visit: www.probateindustryawards.com
This article has been first posted in todayswillsandprobate.co.uk
Probate research: inaugural awards
The inaugural UK Probate Research Awards are to be held on 7 February 2019 at The Mermaid, Puddle Dock, London. They will recognise the work that probate researchers do in tracking down long-lost friends and family members in the UK and abroad where an inheritance is due. Amanda Hamilton, chief executive of the National Association of Licenced Paralegals(NALP), one of the awards’ sponsors, described the awards as ‘instrumental in attracting and promoting probate genealogy as a rich and rewarding career path for paralegals’.
This article has been first published in newlawjournal.
UK Probate Research Awards - Supported by NALP
We are thrilled to be supporting the UK Probate Research Awards in February 2019, celebrating the achievements and expertise of forensic genealogists and probate research professionals.
Probate Research traces missing beneficiaries and identifies and locates heirs to estates, properties and assets worldwide. Probate Research provides a constant stream of fantastic stories, reconnecting families and finding missing heirs, whilst providing invaluable research and essential services to the legal world.
The UK Probate Research Awards is an excellent opportunity to celebrate the outstanding individuals and firms working within Probate Research, it’s an opportunity to share the stories and recognise the great work Probate Researcher do for the legal sector.
Categories
There are 14 Award Categories, including the best Probate Research Paralegal, presented by NALPs CEO Amanda Hamilton.
Best Probate Law Firm 2019
Recognising the best support provided to probate researchers by a law firm. There are five awards for this category.
- UK (Scotland)
- UK (North)
- UK (Central)
- UK (South)
- UK (London)
Best International Probate Researcher of the Year 2019
Recognising an individual’s skill at their job
Best Property Clearance Firm 2019
Awarded to a firm who can demonstrate compliance and excellence in this essential area of work
Best Probate Research Paralegal 2019
This Award is presented to an individual whose professional skills as a probate researcher and a licensed paralegal are recognised as exemplary.
Award Presented by Amanda Hamilton, CEO of NALP
Best Private Deputyship Firm 2019
Private Deputyship firms perform a vital role in safeguarding the affairs of vulnerable clients. This award honours an outstanding provider in this trusted and sensitive area of work.
Best Human Interest Story 2019
Some stories uncovered by probate researchers touch people on an emotional level. It’s not about financial benefit, but about real-life stories and unexpected outcomes that are truly unique.
Award presented by David Stoch of Meerkat PR
Best Community Contribution 2019
Recognising an individual/organisation that has made a considerable and special contribution to the community.
Best Probate Research Insurance Provider 2019
Insurance companies cover risks against claims on estates. These risks are only accepted after an approved probate research firm has finalised their report. This award goes to the insurance company who provides the most efficient and effective cover in this specialised field.
Outstanding Achievement in International Probate Research 2019
Recognising an individual’s contribution to the industry.
Best UK Probate Research Firm 2019
Quite simply, this award goes to the firm who has consistently impressed with its results, standards and quality of service.
Nominate
There is no fee to nominate a firm or individual, this is a great opportunity to recognise the great work of those in the Probate Research world.
It’s simple and quick to nominate, or self nominate. The online form takes just a few moments to fill in, you’ll need to write 30-100 words about why you or they deserve to win!
You do not have to be a probate researcher to nominate a winner.
Last day to submit a Nomination is 20th January 2019.
The judging panel will be made up of sponsors, experts and other legal professionals.
The Awards Ceremony
Hosted at The Mermaid, Puddle Dock, London, EC4V 3DB on 7th February 2019.
The event begins at 6:30pm and finishes at 11:30pm.
The awards ceremony attendance is free for invited attendees.
For all other guests, there will be a fee of £50 per person, including a drinks reception, three course meal and further refreshments.
This article was first published in NALP