The revised fee applies to all requests for copies of grants of probate, letters of administration, and wills held by the Probate Registry. It affects both initial applications and subsequent requests, including those for historical records. Whether ordered during the probate process or years later for research or legal purposes, each copy will now incur the significantly higher cost.

Implications for practitioners, families, and researchers:

• Those administrating estates should reassess how many copies are absolutely necessary. Multiple originals are often required to deal with banks, insurers, share registrars, and property transactions.
• Legal professionals and genealogists accessing archived probate records will need to factor in the higher retrieval costs.
• Some institutions now accept scanned or sealed digital versions. It’s advisable to confirm requirements before ordering multiple originals.
• Copies can often be returned after use – this may help reduce the number needed overall.

This near-1000% increase raises broader concerns about affordability and access to public records, particularly for individuals navigating probate without legal representation. It also places additional financial pressure on those managing modest estates or conducting historical research.

The last major change came in 2017, when the fee doubled from £5 to £10 following the closure of many public probate registries. As the process moved online and became less labour-intensive, the price later dropped to £1.50. The Ministry of Justice has now justified the latest hike in price as a reflection of the operational costs incurred by HMCTS.

This change is likely to affect a wide range of stakeholders – from solicitors and probate practitioners to genealogists, financial institutions, and families managing estates. For those managing estates or researching family histories, adapting early will make a meaningful difference.

Speak to our team about how we can help matters stay efficient, cost-conscious, and client-focused in the face of rising fees.

The post Probate Copy Fees to Rocket from £1.50 to £16 appeared first on Anglia Research Services.

The much-anticipated National Will Register annual will writing report was published recently, and as ever, its findings make for interesting reading.

Whilst the headlines will no doubt focus on the statistic that just 37% of the 2,000 adults surveyed actually had a will in place, there are other interesting insights and trends emerging, such as 36% of people being comfortable with the concept of having a ‘digital will’.

Changing Attitudes to Will Writing in the UK

In fact, the report covers plenty of traditional and more technology-led questions around will writing in the UK, highlighting how attitudes and expectations are beginning to change. That said, over half of those with a will had used the services of either a solicitor or a will writer, with just 14% relying on a ‘DIY’ will writing option.

Perhaps as expected, older generations were more likely to have succession plans in place, with only 20% of respondents aged 18 to 24 currently holding a will. Although the overall number of people with a will decreased compared to the previous year, 34% of respondents said they intended to write one within the next 12 months – a significant proportion.

Maybe the most worrying aspect of the report was the fact that 25% of people advised that they didn’t actually know how to write a will. This suggests that despite continued efforts to raise awareness of will writing across the country, some were still not getting – or listening to – the message.

More positively, the report revealed a noticeable increase in the amount of people now comfortable in talking about death with their loved ones, representing a sizeable 8% increase against last year.

Lastly, on the question of where a will is stored, 25% said that they kept their will at home, with half giving the responsibility to their solicitor or will writer. Rather worryingly, 29% of people haven’t told anyone where their will is stored.

The link to download this report directly can be found here: https://www.oneadvanced.com/campaigns/legal/the-national-wills-report-2025/

How Anglia Research Can Help

As a probate genealogy firm, we can of course assist in cases where there is a will AND where there is not.

𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹: We can trace missing beneficiaries who have been named in a will that can’t be located, whether that’s a straightforward address check or a more complex case requiring international research.

𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗮 𝘄𝗶ll: We are extremely well-versed in dealing with intestate matters. We offer probate practitioners help and assistance, whether verifying a family tree and establishing entitlement, or giving other support around the rules of intestacy.

Do get in contact us to find out more.

The post The Will Writing Wake-Up Call: 1 in 4 Don’t Know Where to Start appeared first on Anglia Research Services.

Bereavement is hard enough – additional stress is the last thing grieving families should face. Yet research from Which? shows that for many executors, navigating banks bereavement services is far from straightforward.

Probate is the legal process of settling a deceased person’s estate and is already an emotionally and administratively demanding responsibility. Executors must apply for probate, settle debts, manage tax obligations, and distribute assets, and each bank has its own approach to things. Which? found that banks often make this already challenging process harder than it needs to be.

The reality for these executors is laid out in this study by Which? who found that one in five executors surveyed described their experience with banks as “difficult”, reporting delays, lost documents, and contradictory advice from staff. For some, these issues directly impacted funeral payments or extended the time it took to settle estates.

Whilst Santander led the way with 80% satisfaction, other banks scored far lower, with HSBC and Barclays leaving many executors frustrated. The gap shows that good bereavement services are possible but that consistency across the industry is lacking.

The Financial Conduct Authority has already cautioned banks against complacency, urging better staff training and clearer processes. End of life charities such as Marie Curie have also called for simpler, more compassionate “sadmin”, death administration that recognises the human impact behind the paperwork.

Behind every statistic is a grieving family trying to do right by their loved one. Delays and errors don’t just cost time and money; they add to emotional strain at an already vulnerable moment. Executors often feel they’re left carrying both the administrative and emotional burden alone.

We offer a range of services that can assist lay executors fulfil their obligations, such as locating missing beneficiaries, undertaking bankruptcy or financial asset searches, or even proving missing beneficiary insurance quotes. Please get in touch with our team of legal experts to find out how we can help.

The post Banks & Bereavements: The Hidden Cost of “Sadmin” appeared first on Anglia Research Services.

What began as a curious garden find has now blossomed into a touching piece of local family history.

When gardener Adam Elshaw discovered a pristine letter dated 21st January 1955 under an acer tree in a Wolverhampton Garden, he had no idea it would connect him – and us – to a love story nearly 70 years old.

The letter, typed on paper from Ashleigh Court in Torquay, was addressed to JR Gwilt Esquire of Stafford Road, Fordhouses. It outlined hotel rates for a stay, including meals, and appeared to respond to a booking enquiry. How it ended up buried beneath a tree, untouched by time, was a mystery.

Or at least it was, thanks to the team at Anglia Research and the work of one of our genealogists, the mystery has now been solved.

After reading this article in passing on a train journey, our Head of Probate Richard Tinkler knew this was exactly the kind of thing we could help with. He passed the story to our Regional Head, Eileen Lavelle, who set to solving it.

The letter was written to John Raymond Gwilt, born in 1933, and it turns out it was part of the arrangements for his honeymoon with Barbara Mary Lawley. The couple married on 4th April 1955 and the timing of the letter lines up perfectly with their plans.

Their son, David John Gwilt, confirmed the details after being sent a photo of the letter by his sister, Jane via WhatsApp. He responded:

“I am absolutely sure my father was arranging accommodation for my parents’ honeymoon – the dates match up. I know that their honeymoon was in the Torbay area.”

David and his sister Jane were delighted to learn the letter had been discovered, as well as surprised at how quickly the story had travelled.

The address on the letter 501 Stafford Road, Wolverhampton. It matched that of John Raymond Gwilt’s parents, Major Harry Gwilt and Lily Gwilt (née Dalton), who were recorded as living there in 1939. It was the address of the flat above the family butchers shop established by Harry & Lily, John continued the family business for decades (photo below).

How the letter ended up under a tree in Tettenhall remains a mystery. It may have been tucked away in an attic and slipped from a moving box or van as the property changed hands. The house has changed ownership three times since David Gwilt’s parents lived there.

What is clear now is that it was never just a random scrap of old paper – it was a preserved memory from the early days of a marriage that would last a lifetime.

“Our parents and grandparents were very kind people, and it’s wonderful that their memory can be honoured in this way.”

We’re grateful to the Gwilt family for allowing us to share their story and to Adam for recognising the letter’s significance. It’s not every day you uncover a honeymoon booking from the 1950s in someone’s flower bed.

By Chloe Pipe

The post Lost In Time: A Honeymoon Letter Discovered After 70 Years appeared first on Anglia Research Services.

We are proud to announce that the BBC has released a compelling new podcast, Grave Robbers, following an in-depth investigation led by the team here at Anglia Research.

Anglia Research was closely involved in bringing this story to light, with company founder and Managing Director Peter Turvey having alerted the journalist Sue Mitchell to our growing concerns. Our researchers have played a pivotal role in uncovering the truth behind a number of troubling estate cases, many of which involve rightful heirs being overlooked.

These findings have sparked national attention, and we are pleased to see that the Government Legal Department and other legal bodies are taking these revelations seriously. Notably, the Unclaimed Estates List for England and Wales has been temporarily removed as authorities take stock of the situation, remaining offline as of 10^th July 2025.

Importantly, many of the cases we investigated did not originate from the Bona Vacantia list but instead involved individuals who had close living relatives – a fact that was either overlooked or ignored.

This reinforces the value of engaging a qualified Probate Genealogist, such as Anglia Research, whenever there is uncertainty about the rightful heirs to an estate. We can provide clarity when there is doubt, ensuring that all entitled beneficiaries have been correctly identified.

Media coverage like this helps raise awareness of these troubling cases; The Grave Robbers podcast sheds light on the human stories behind these cases – stories of families unknowingly denied their inheritance.

For those working in probate, genealogy, or legal services, the report deserves particular attention.

🎧 Listen to the BBC Radio 4 podcast Grave Robbers:
https://bit.ly/TheGraveRobbers

For further information about our work or to speak to our researchers, please contact us.

The post Anglia Research Investigation Featured in BBC Radio 4 Podcast “Grave Robbers” appeared first on Anglia Research Services.

Recent figures show a marked increase in the number of people passing away without leaving a valid will, known as dying intestate.

In the 2023/24 financial year, 51,136 Grants of Letters of Administration were issued in England and Wales. This is the highest number recorded in the past five years and represents a 17.3% increase compared to the previous year.

Looking back over recent years, the upward trend is clear for all to see:

• 2020/21: 40,738 grants
• 2021/22: 38,102 (↓ 6.5%)
• 2022/23: 43,597 (↑ 14.4%)
• 2023/24: 51,136 (↑ 17.3%)

This equates to a 34% rise in just two years.

The lack of a valid will can significantly complicate matters for executors, beneficiaries, and legal professionals alike. Dying intestate means there are no instructions from the deceased regarding how their assets should be distributed.

As a result, the estate is handled under the rules of intestacy, which may not align with what the individual would have wanted. (We have written extensively in the past about the intestacy laws in England and Wales.)

The process can be slower, more costly, and emotionally difficult for those involved. In some cases, it may not even be clear who is legally entitled to inherit, particularly when there are no immediate family members.

This is where probate genealogy becomes critical. At Anglia Research Services Limited, we specialise in tracing heirs and beneficiaries in intestate cases, as well as testate estates. Our experienced team works closely with solicitors, administrators, and public sector bodies to ensure that all entitled beneficiaries are identified and receive their rightful inheritance.

If you’re dealing with an intestate estate or need other expert probate research support, we’re always here to help – just get in touch.

Read the full article via IFA Magazine:
Over 50,000 estates left no will last year – a five-year high

The post Sharp Rise in Intestate Estates Highlights the Importance of Probate Research appeared first on Anglia Research Services.

When someone passes away, their assets – such as bank accounts, savings, and investments – may require a grant of probate or letters of administration before they can be accessed by or paid out to executors or administrators, respectively.

When there is a valid will, probate is the legal process that confirms an executor’s authority to deal with a deceased person’s estate. If there is no valid will, Letters of Administration are obtained when the intestacy rules are applied in the absence of a will. Financial institutions will require sight of either of these.

(There may be other reasons to obtain probate or letters of administration even if a financial institution does not require them, but that is beyond the scope of this article, and always take advice from a trusted professional).

Financial institutions set their own probate thresholds, meaning that if the total funds held with them fall below a certain limit, they may release the money without requiring a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration.

Throughout this article and in the table below, we will use the term probate threshold as a general term to apply to thresholds where there is and is not a will, unless otherwise specified.

How Do Probate Thresholds Work?

Each bank and building society in England and Wales determines its own probate threshold. There is no ‘one size fits all’ across the financial industry. These limits vary widely between financial institutions, typically ranging from £5,000 to £50,000 or more.

In some cases, financial institutions apply different limits based on specific conditions, such as:

• Whether the deceased had a will or not.
• Whether the executor is a professional (e.g., a solicitor).
• The type of account or investment held.

For example, some institutions set a lower threshold for intestacy cases, with one particular bank insisting on Letters of Administration before they will release any funds. Others may allow significantly higher limits if a professional executor is managing the estate.

What Does This Mean for Executors and Beneficiaries?

If an estate falls below the relevant probate threshold, funds may be released more quickly and with less administrative burden. Typically, the bank will still request:

• A death certificate.
• Proof of identity for the person making the claim.
• A completed indemnity form or small estates declaration.
• Sight of a certified copy of a will or a family tree.

Since each financial institution has its own policies, it is essential in every case for executors or administrators to check directly with them to confirm their requirements.

The table below provides a summary of the current probate thresholds set by various financial institutions as of May 2025. Details correct at the time of publishing:

Please note that thresholds can change at any time, and institutions may not be consistent in their application of thresholds.

The post What is the Probate Threshold Limit in England and Wales in 2025 appeared first on Anglia Research Services.

We are delighted to announce that we have achieved Cyber Essentials accreditation, a government-backed certification that demonstrates ongoing commitment to cyber security and the responsible handling of sensitive data.

As a company that works closely with legal firms, local authorities, and members of the public, we deal with confidential and often highly personal information on a daily basis. From probate research to client communications, safeguarding the integrity and privacy of this data is fundamental to the services we provide.

By securing Cyber Essentials certification, we are ensuring that our systems and processes meet the strict standards set out by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), giving our clients greater confidence in how their data is protected.

Cyber Essentials is designed to help organisations of all sizes defend against the most common types of cyber attacks, a topic that has been in the news recently. It assesses key areas including secure configuration, access control, firewalls, malware protection, and patch management. Our successful accreditation confirms that we have strong, up-to-date protections in place across all these areas.

What does this mean for our clients and partners?

• Further peace of mind that any personal or legal data shared with us is stored and processed securely.
• Ongoing reassurance that we are proactively taking steps to mitigate cyber risk and prevent data breaches.
• Enhanced trust that we are operating in line with industry best practices and national security standards.

In the probate research sector, reputations are built on discretion, accuracy, and professionalism. Our Cyber Essentials accreditation reflects our commitment to these values and underscores our determination to operate at the highest levels of security and accountability.

We view this certification not as a one-off achievement, but as part of our ongoing responsibility to protect the interests of our clients and partners. As cyber threats continue to evolve, so too will our approach to defending against them.

If you have any questions about what this accreditation means for you, or would like more information about our data protection practices, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

The post Anglia Research Achieves Cyber Essentials Accreditation appeared first on Anglia Research Services.

With decades of experience under her belt, Eileen offers unique insight into the vital role Anglia Research plays in helping both probate and Court of Protection practitioners. From constructing detailed family trees to sourcing the documentation solicitors need to administer estates, her work is as meticulous as it is rewarding.

“No two days are the same,” Eileen explains.

Though much of the genealogical research has shifted online, Eileen recalls a time when her days were spent scouring libraries and records offices around Greater Manchester, leafing through microfilm and dusty archives. While digital tools have changed the landscape, the real skill lies in knowing where – and how – to look.

Listeners of the podcast are treated to some of the most memorable cases Eileen has handled at Anglia Research: from relatives who vanished only to reappear on the other side of the globe, to bigamous marriages, and one extraordinary case involving 72 beneficiaries of a £1.5 million estate in Cornwall.

As society becomes increasingly mobile and family structures evolve, Eileen sees probate genealogy becoming even more complex. The rise of blended families, international migration, and informal parental relationships all add layers of difficulty to verifying entitlements.

Yet despite the challenges, it’s clear Eileen thrives on the work. “I can’t believe I get paid for this!”

Tune in for an engaging discussion about the evolving challenges and rewards of probate genealogy.

Do get in touch with our team if you’d like to know more about our services – for beneficiaries here, and for legal professionals here.

The post New Podcast Alert: Delving into the World of Probate Genealogy with Eileen Lavelle appeared first on Anglia Research Services.

Regularly reviewing and updating contact details within a will is best practice. Failure to do so can create significant challenges when the time comes to administer an estate, leading to unnecessary delays, increased costs, and potential disputes.

The Risks of Outdated Information

Many testators prepare their will years – sometimes decades – before they pass away. Over time, beneficiaries and executors may move, change names due to marriage or divorce, or become seemingly unreachable for other reasons. If their details are outdated, the probate process can become more complex with executors struggling to locate beneficiaries, leading to delays in distributing assets.

Similarly, if an executor cannot be found (or is no longer willing or able to act), it can lead to administrative complications. The absence of an appointed representative may result in the need for a court application to appoint a new executor, adding further costs and time delays to the estate administration process.

The Benefits of Regularly Reviewing Beneficiary and Executor Details

To avoid these pitfalls, estate planners and will writers should encourage their clients to regularly review and update their wills, ensuring that beneficiary and executor details remain current. The benefits of this proactive approach include:

• Smoother Estate Administration – Executors can locate and contact beneficiaries more easily, allowing for a more efficient distribution of assets.
• Reduced Risk of Disputes – If there are ambiguities in locating beneficiaries, disputes may arise among family members, potentially leading to contested probate proceedings.
• Ensuring the Testator’s Wishes Are Honoured – Keeping details updated helps ensure that intended beneficiaries receive their inheritance as per the testator’s wishes.

How Anglia Research Can Assist

At Anglia Research, we specialise in tracing missing beneficiaries and executors, helping to resolve potentially complex probate cases efficiently. Our expertise in people-tracing ensures that estates are administered correctly and that the rightful heirs are identified and contacted.

However, while our services can assist when issues arise, a proactive approach remains the best strategy. By encouraging clients to update their wills regularly and verify the details of those included, estate planners, will writers, and private client solicitors can help mitigate many of the challenges that arise when information is outdated.

A Comprehensive Approach to Probate Research

Updating beneficiary and executor details is just one of the many ways in which probate genealogists can assist in the estate administration process. From verifying family trees, finding missing beneficiaries, and undertaking asset and bankruptcy searches, our services are designed to streamline the probate process and ensure that estates are distributed as efficiently as possible.

To learn more about the full range of probate research services we offer, contact us today.

The post Keeping Beneficiary and Executor Details Updated: A Crucial Step in Estate Planning appeared first on Anglia Research Services.