Client Services

This option is normally applicable in cases where an individual has died intestate and the matter has been referred onto ourselves; there are no known verified heirs to the estate, and/or no personal representatives (yet) appointed.

Each living heir or beneficiary to the estate is identified then contacted in turn as our research progresses. Agreement as to the level of fees payable to us on successful completion is sought, set as a percentage of the value of the estate and agreed with the individual(s) identified to undertake the personal representative role.

The level of fees payable will vary, depending on the overall difficulty in the genealogy research required and the subsequent locating of each living individual identified.

We usually look to oversee the administration of the estate and subsequent recovery of all its assets on behalf of our clients at no additional cost (aside from incidental expenses incurred), the overall cost for our clients can be substantially lower than it would be with most of our competitors, who generally do not offer this sort of ‘all-inclusive’ service (without additional charge).

With this option we may be instructed by an executor, administrator or a trustee to find a known missing beneficiary or beneficiaries who are due entitlements in a Will but cannot be traced.

This service is also suitable for cases in which the personal representatives or trustees are not aware of any living beneficiaries (or they may not be known). A minimum charge may be payable, on a time and materials basis, for the research undertaken initially in the event no living heirs or beneficiaries are found.

This service is however more appropriate when there are known beneficiaries so that we can apply our fee on a strictly no success no fee basis.

The level of our success fee will be agreed at the start of each engagement, which may involve agreeing different rates for different beneficiaries if appropriate.

In some cases, it is most appropriate to provide our services on a straightforward basis, paid for the time we spend and the resources we have used. An estimate of the total cost of the work carried out is provided at the start of each engagement, and this level of fees will not be breached without further consultation with the client.

We tailor each of our engagements according to your needs, with mutually agreed objectives.

We provide regular updates and reports on progress, and if requested, we can provide you with secure on-line access to TCAS, our client record system to enable you to view the progress of your cases. This purpose-built secure IT infrastructure designed to cater for the demands of this specialised work.

A dedicated Case Manager(s) will be assigned to you. Their role is to undertake and co-ordinate all research and reporting activity, liaise with the individuals we are able to trace, and manage the legal processes.

Day-to-day direct contact will be maintained through your Relationship Manager who will keep you informed on progress, and be available to answer any questions you may have along the way.