IWC Launch Heir Tracing Service for Solicitors

Oct. 31, 2012 - PRLog -- Yesterday probate genealogists IWC Ltd published an article promoting their new heir tracing service.  It aims to assist probate solicitors with the difficult task of finding missing beneficiaries named in a will.  Or, find the rightful heirs of estates where the deceased has no known next of kin.  

Read it here - http://iwc-ltd.co.uk/blog/dont-give-up-use-our-heir-tracing-service/

Often solicitors don’t have the facilities, resources or the time to devote to tracing heirs or finding long lost relatives.  Deceased estates cannot be wound up and solicitors have no choice but to enter them unto the Bona Vacantia, or Vacant Goods List.  There are around 20,000 Unclaimed Estates on the Treasury’s list.  If they are not claimed, the money and assets are eventually passed to the Crown.

Probate genealogists are experts in inheritance law and have access to records allowing them to trace missing relatives.  As well as a suite of suite tools, software and techniques for family tree research.  This may include scouring public records, interviewing friends or neighbours on the hunt for clues.   Searches often continue overseas, to find relatives who have emigrated or moved abroad.  Therefore having associates abroad is a must to find the whereabouts of missing heirs.

Read more about genealogical research - http://www.iwc-ltd.co.uk/genealogy-research.html

It is a highly specialised profession.  Once an heir is located the link must be proved through a certified family tree that proves the relationship.  The report must include full documented evidence such as birth, death and marriage certificates before it will be accepted by HM Customs and Tribunals service.

IWC’s heir tracing service allows solicitors can get the support and assistance they need to administer estates and close cases that would otherwise be passed to the Treasurer.  It means that the deceased legacy is able to pass to the rightful heirs.  

Many solicitors have been put off using these types of services due to the adverse media attention attracted by companies who expect a 40% slice of the estate for their troubles.  Unlike other heir hunting services, IWC do not charge hefty percentage fees, but fair rates based on the amount of work involved in the case.  

Find out more - http://www.iwc-ltd.co.uk/genealogy-research__heir-hunters...