Beneficiaries

Our Probate Genealogy Work

We have helped solicitors to trace heirs for almost 40 years. The legal profession relies on our expertise in order to track down missing beneficiaries who have been specifically named in a will – these are people who have been named by the deceased, but no-one knows where they are.

However, when someone with no known relatives dies without leaving a will, there are no obvious heirs and so their estate passes to the Crown.

As a result, an industry has grown up, with people searching for missing heirs in the hope that they will earn a fee or percentage of the inheritance should relatives be found. These ‘heir hunters’ act on their own initiative and their research findings are only as accurate as their experience and expertise allow.

We employ more accredited genealogists*, legally qualified and independently regulated staff than any other UK probate research company. Our reputation for thoroughness and integrity is second to none.

Accuracy

For established and reputable probate genealogists such as Anglia Research, accuracy is everything. We don’t just find missing relatives. We also invest considerable time and effort so that we can prove our clients’ legal right to inherit from an estate.

Our commitment to accuracy means that you avoid problems and delays further down the line. Some cases are complex, some relatively simple. Either way, the Government Legal Department (on behalf of the Crown) demands a water-tight case before it will release any funds.

If we have contacted you it is because we believe you are entitled to a share of an inheritance. You may wish to take legal advice, but contact us as soon as you can.

Please don’t hesitate to phone us if you have any concerns. Our staff will go out of their way to explain anything that is unclear. We pride ourselves on the friendliness and approachability of our people and we aim to give every client a personalised service. For example, we’ll provide you with family trees and copies of all our research findings. We also offer a free ‘letterbox’ service for family members who didn’t previously know of each other’s existence.

To find out more about us, see our relatives’ FAQ, code of conduct, and clients’ testimonials. Alternatively, you can browse our case histories to learn more about the fascinating field of probate research.

*members of AGRA, ASGRA and AGI. For more details, please see our accreditation page.

Working in partnership with the National Bereavement Service

National Bereavement Service (NBS) – we’re here when you need us most…

Most people have to take responsibility for practical arrangements after a death just once or twice so are not familiar with the long list of tasks that await them. These include registration, arranging a funeral and dealing with the person’s money and property which may need probate. All this has to be done during a time that is usually emotionally very painful.

The NBS team of advisors can cope with any and every question about what to do after a death. Usually, we have the answer but if we don’t, we will know who does. Our information service is free and impartial, working with people to identify the best solution in their circumstances using straight-forward language. We combine this with empathy and understanding of the experience of bereavement and, if needed, can direct people to longer term sources of emotional support.

Call us on 0800 024 6121, email using info@theNBS.org or use the live chat at www.theNBS.org.

Helen L.

14:53 05 Feb 25

Receiving the call from Eileen Lavelle last summer regarding the passing of a family member was a complete shock and initially I was quite sceptical. However there was no need for my concern as Eileen showed extreme professionalism, efficiency and empathy at all stages of the process. Emma Hinds from Wolsey Probate, was also extremely efficient and understanding. I received my cheque last week and I would like to thank both Eileen and Emma for all their efforts.

Janet C.

14:06 28 Jan 25

A huge thank you to Eileen Lavelle who has passed on information about my grandmother who died 2 weeks after my father’s birth. We knew nothing about her apart from a name, and I wish my father was alive to have known more. Thank you so much Eileen.

Catherine B

21:32 22 Dec 24

A big thank you to Eileen Lavelle, who contacted me in September this year regarding some unclaimed assets of my late dad. I was very sceptical at first, and it took a little convincing that everything I was informed about was genuine.Eileen was extremely helpful every step of the way – even visiting me at my home address to explain the nature of her work in simple terms which was very reassuring.All was concluded in 3 months resulting in a successful outcome on the unclaimed assets.My brother and sister also wish to thank Eileen for all she has done for us over the last three months.

Karen W.

09:47 29 Dec 23

I am delighted with the service from Eileen Lavelle at Anglia Research Services in Southport. I found the information provided about my family to be invaluable and she provided me with a lot of information about their history that I never knew. She has been very helpful.

Andrew B.

21:41 10 Dec 23

My mother died when I was aged 2. I was anxious to learn more of her time in the armed forces in WW2. Miss Sam Watkin of AngliaResearch was both prompt and efficient in helping me. Using the little information I had she was able to obtain my mother’s ATS service records from 1941 in much less time than I anticipated. These have been of great interest when linked to letters between my parents that I recently inherited. I am most grateful and I strongly recommend their services.

John W.

06:53 24 Aug 23

I am pleased to recommend Anglia Research, who recently handled a matter for me extremely efficiently. From notification to receipt of the fund distribution took only 10 dys to transfer internationally to me. My especial thsnks to Carl Bargh, Case Manager, who discovered our address even though we had moved from England..

Sue F.

18:30 20 Jul 23

Very happy with the service provided by Anglia Research who contacted me regarding a distant relative and I was naturally apprehensive. However Carl Bargh my Case Manager was v professional, efficient and clarified all my worries.I would not hesitate in recommending this company. Thank you.

Craig H.

20:20 19 Jul 23

Carl was extremely helpful and professional throughout the entire process, and kept me informed on how things were progressing.At the end of the process I requested a copy of the family tree information that had been gathered and thank Carl for providing this without delay.

Geoff O.

22:18 12 Dec 22

A surprise phone call 18months ago from Anglia Research lead me through a fascinating time resulting in a wonderful cheque heading my way.Initially was wondering what was going on as a distant family member had past away and alot of work needed to be done to track beneficiarys down. In stepped the incredible Eileen Butcher from Anglia a dedicated manager ensuring communication was smooth and kept me up to date with the process as the journey came to an end. A special mention also to Nicki Brumby at Wolsey for excellent communication & plenty of documents for signing over the months making my job a doddleKind regards & thank youGeoff Ormesher

Lindsey

14:54 09 Nov 22

I used Anglia Research to confirm both an adoption and to locate a beneficiary whilst managing an estate. Alex was helpful and clear at all times in our communications, ensuring I fully understood what was possible and what my options were. The actual process of engagement was very smooth and I was shocked at how quickly he came back to me with the requested information. I would highly recommend both the company and Alex, and if I need to use this type of service in future I’ll definitely be in touch.

Our Probate Genealogy Work

Accuracy

Working in partnership with the National Bereavement Service

Free Initial Consultation

Compliance & Accreditation

Offices