Our specialism
A practice with an international outlook
Probate research increasingly crosses borders. Families move, records span jurisdictions and estates often require evidence from multiple countries. We combine specialist in-house probate research expertise with an expert international network, supporting legal professionals wherever their enquiries lead.
The difficulty
Why cross-border research is different
Cross-border estates often become delayed when essential information or documentation lies outside the jurisdiction administering the estate. A beneficiary may have emigrated decades ago, a marriage may have taken place overseas, or a birth or death certificate may only be obtainable through a local authority with specific procedural requirements.
Every country operates differently. Records may be held nationally, regionally or locally; access rules vary significantly; and language, historic boundary changes and differing naming conventions can all affect the research process.
Rather than expecting practitioners to navigate unfamiliar overseas systems, we identify the appropriate authorities, instruct trusted local researchers where necessary and coordinate enquiries through a single point of contact, providing one consistent report throughout.
Capability
An established international network
Whether a matter involves a straightforward certificate request or enquiries across multiple jurisdictions, research is managed by A. Rafael Advisory from initial assessment through to final reporting. Our in-house probate research expertise is supported by an established international network, allowing us to combine local knowledge with consistent oversight, analysis and reporting.
- Estates with beneficiaries living overseas
- Cross-border and multi-jurisdictional intestacy
- Jurisdictions with limited digitisation, archival loss or language barriers
- Time-sensitive or higher-risk overseas enquiries
- Records requiring an authorised local agent to obtain
- Translation and certification of overseas documents
How overseas research is handled
Every overseas matter is managed by A. Rafael Advisory from instruction through to completion. We coordinate enquiries, assess the evidence returned and present our findings in a clear, consistent format designed for professional reliance.
Where records can not be located or no longer exist, we document the enquiries undertaken and explain what alternative sources of evidence may be available. Equally, where further research is unlikely to produce additional information, we provide a clear conclusion so that legal professionals can make informed decisions.
A properly evidenced conclusion, even where records cannot be found, provides greater certainty than an unresolved possibility.
Does your matter cross borders?
Whether you need overseas records, beneficiary tracing or family research across jurisdictions, we can provide an informal view on the likely scope before you commit.
Or call 0333 772 4565