Finders international probate genealogists have updated their Missing Will search service for 2010 – and reduced the cost too.
Any solicitor or estate administrator dealing with an intestacy will have encountered a familiar feeling of dread whenthe the suggestion that the Deceased may have left a will is discussed. The simple question, and the potential nightmare, is what happens if I distribute the estate to the beneficiaries on intestacy and a valid Will is found later? The thought of years in court trying to sort out such a problem can be easily avoided using Finders Missing Will Service and following best practice advice. For just £149 + VAT Finders will complete all the searches required to satisfy Aviva insurance that a Missing Will insurance policy can be granted – end of headaches and worries. If a Will turns up later there will be no requirement for heirs to return the money they received in good faith when the estate was distributed as on intestacy. A simple solution that will reassure the legal profession and beneficiaries alike.
Finders also offer additional benefits with their missing will service. An extended geographical option, something no other company offers, in that, for an additional fee, the search can be extended to cover the entire UK if needed. Furthermore if Finders are instructed to trace missing or unknown heirs on a commission fee basis (contingency fee), they have decided to offer this service free of charge!
James Empson of Finders says “We are aware of other services offering limited potential for our clients to be fully reassured that a thorough search is being made. We have discussed this missing will insurance option with Aviva at length in order to be sure that they are satisfied with Finders service. It is unlikely that they will insure against a missing will being found without such searches being completed first, however, once the policy is in place the heirs and the lawyers can all relax!”
As there is no central institution or database for Will registration Finders regularly review and update this service and add new searches, therefore, this is probably the most thorough search available today.
If you are dealing with intestacy but need to check for a Will, or you hold a Will and are unsure if a more recent Will was made, it is advisable to take the following steps:
- Check the Deceased’s personal belongings; and
- Ask any known friends, relatives or neighbours of the Deceased.
Having done the above, you can now instruct Finders to search for a Will for a service fee of only £149. We can’t find another similar service anywhere at this price and we urge legal and probate professionals to avoid future problems by contacting Finders and making good use of this service.
The ultimate reassurance is that Finders have never received a claim against one of their Missing Will Insurance Policies issued by Aviva (or formerly Norwich Union), quite a record.
Finders offer the reassurance of their ISO quality management registration and their Professional Conduct Code as well as the Association of Professional Genealogists membership, which also operates a code of ethics.
Finders can be contacted at 6-8 Vestry Street London N1 7RE. Tel: +44 (0)20 7490 4935 www.findersUK.com e-mail: [email protected]
