Services
Missing Beneficiaries
Whether it’s a testate or intestate estate you’re administering, missing or unknown beneficiaries can present risks and cause delays when progressing estates. With a proven track record of successfully locating heirs both in the UK and in scores of jurisdictions overseas, we are here to help.
We specialise in helping you:
- Trace missing beneficiaries, whether they be at home or overseas
- Verify identities of missing kin and, where required, their entitlement
- Supply quality reports designed for professional reliance.
Mitigating Risk & Early Engagement
If you are dealing with an estate where one or perhaps more beneficiaries are unresponsive, or can not otherwise be accounted for, unnecessary delays can add to risk and pressures on Personal Representatives and Executors. Early engagement can help to minimise both exposure to risks and reduce timescales.a href="/contact">Contact us today/a> for a free preliminary review and a quote within 48 hours.
Missing Beneficiary Indemnity Insurance
In the vast majority of the cases we take on, beneficiaries are successfully located or their position can otherwise be resolved (such as in instances of pre or post-deceased heirs). In those rare circumstances where they can’t, we are still here to help. We understand the requirements and specifications of insurers and can provide detailed reports, prepared to an insurable standard, to allow you to seek indemnity cover when it’s required.
Missing Beneficiary FAQs
What do I need before starting a search?
In most instances, we are able to proceed with the beneficiary's name and last known address as per the Will. Details of the estate (the Deceased's name, their date of death) are also required for context when we are able to contact the beneficiary.
In many cases, you may not know these details, most commonly if they are a beneficiary of an intestate estate, or if very little was recorded in the Will. In these, or any other cases where information is limited, we just require everything that is to hand. We've successfully located and verified beneficiaries going off only a forename in the past, so even small details go a long way!
When should I engage a professional?
The earlier the better. Most cases can be completed relatively quickly, however if they are more complex (for instance where very little information is known at the outset or when the beneficiary is overseas), then instructing us early can help to minimise any delays to the estate administration.
What if a beneficiary can’t be found?
In the vast majority of cases, we are successful in locating missing beneficiaries. In those rare instances where we aren't successful, a full report of enquiries will be provided that can be used to obtain missing beneficiary indemnity insurance. Insurers will often ask that investigations be undertaken before offering cover, so as to properly assess risk. It's always best to make professional enquiries first before seeking insurance.
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