About
A practice built around evidence.
We are a specialist probate research, genealogy and tracing practice based in Bristol, working with solicitors, private client practitioners, professional services companies, and public bodies across the UK and overseas.
Approach
How we see research
Probate research exists to allow a Personal Representative to distribute an estate with peace of mind. Everything else, whether that is the family trees, the certificates or the archival work, is instrumental in that.
The role of a report is not simply to provide answers, but to provide evidence on which decisions can confidently be made. We produce work that is transparent, well-reasoned and gives probate practitioners, Executors and Personal Representatives confidence at the point of the point of distribution.
No two estates require exactly the same approach. Some demand extensive investigation across multiple jurisdictions, while others can be resolved with relatively limited enquiries. We tailor the scope of our work to the circumstances of each case, ensuring that the research is always appropriate to the decision it is intended to support.
Standards
Our professional and regulatory position
Data protection
Registered with the Information Commissioner's Office as a data controller. All personal data is handled in accordance with our privacy and security policies, and is used only for the purpose for which it was obtained.
Professional indemnity insurance
We hold professional indemnity insurance appropriate to specialist probate and estate research work.
Evidential standard
Research is conducted and reported to the highest insurable standard, with negative findings recorded as fully as positive ones.
Scope of our work
We are researchers, not legal advisers. We establish and evidence facts about family and entitlement; we do not advise on the law or on the administration of the estate itself.
The company
Company details
A. Rafael Advisory is registered in England and Wales, company number 17002818. Our registered office is at Newminster House, 27–29 Baldwin Street, Bristol BS1 1LT.
Working on something you would like a view on?
Initial discussions are informal and without obligation.