Estatesearch recognising Private Deputyship Firms for the 2022 Probies
Estatesearch is delighted to be sponsoring the ‘Best Private Deputyship Firm’ award at the UK Probate Research Awards. This award recognises the vital role that deputyship firms perform in safeguarding the affairs of vulnerable clients. It rewards the important work they do in this specialist field and honours the trust and sensitivity of their role.
This is an area of great importance to Estatesearch, as one of our main aims is to protect vulnerable individuals such as those who lack mental capacity. We work with deputies up and down the country to achieve this through our comprehensive and efficient services, such as our Financial Profile Service which identifies missing assets in estates whilst mitigating risk.
For more information on any of our services, visit our website www.estatesearch.co.uk, email [email protected] or call us on 0330 900 1700.
This article has been posted on behalf of EstateSearch.
Third time winners at the UK Probate Research Awards 2021
Ramsdens Private Client team did it again!
They have won the ‘Best Probate Law Firm North England’ at the UK Probate Research Awards 2021 for the third year in a row against stiff competition.
The virtual 2021 awards was hosted by British criminal barrister and television personality…Rob Rinder and whilst they weren’t able to host their usual charity fundraiser they donated half of the funds received from nominations to Reengage.
Reengage is a charity that is positive about older age and committed to fighting loneliness to that people can have social lives and friendship groups however old they are.
Paul Joyce, Managing Partner said:
“Congratulations to all the finalists and winners. It’s been a challenging year but we’re incredibly proud of how our team continued to deliver the same high quality of service our clients expect and deserve. Winning this award for the third year in a row is a great achievement for every single member of the team.”
This article has been first published in yorkshire-business.co.uk
Hat-trick win for Finders International at the Probate Research Awards
An entrepreneur with a regular presence on the BBC’s hit show ‘Heir Hunters’ has been awarded an accolade by Rob Rinder at a national awards ceremony celebrating excellence in forensic genealogy – commonly known as ‘heir hunting’
Heir hunting entrepreneur, Danny Curran who founded forensic genealogy firm, was awarded the Probate Research Firm of the Year title at the 2021 Probate Research Awards held online recently, and presented by criminal barrister, Rob Rinder - star of Judge Rinder. Curran’s firm, was awarded the highest accolade at the event in recognition of its work across ‘heir hunting’, or probate research – the process of helping next of kin become reunited with estates they often had no idea existed. Curran’s firm went on to win in additional categories for its staff members, and was highly commended in others.
Unofficially known as ‘The Probies’, the awards, were created in recognition that probate research has grown as a profession that provides an invaluable public service to local authorities and the wider legal industry, while presenting some of the most fascinating stories about family, society and life.
This is also the third consecutive year that Curran’s firm has won the ‘Probate Research Firm of the Year’ beating competitors operating in the same market. Curran, who is a regular on the BBC’s Heir Hunters television programme has been featured across the media uncovering fascinating stories of family histories which he and his firm have carefully pieced together on behalf of relatives and the legal industry all over the UK, and internationally. An industry of stories Typical stories range from unexpected windfalls and reunification of families, while investigative efforts from probate researchers, or ‘heir hunters’, have supported councils, solicitors and families around the world - in the process of piecing together next of kin when someone died intestate (without a will).
A fringe industry taking centre stage
Geoffrey Odds, company secretary of the International Association of Professional Probate Researchers and Genealogists (IAPPR) commented: “After years of being consigned to a fringe legal support service, it’s encouraging to watch how each year, this fascinating and helpful industry continues to grow in recognition, and thrive. As ever, it’s of utmost importance that as more people are attracted to work in this global industry, that integrity, trust and professionalism is maintained - and these awards recognise firms that excel in every area of upholding best standards.
This article has been first published in bdaily.co.uk
HEIR HUNTERS RECOGNISED AT PROBATE RESEARCH AWARDS 2021
Genealogy firm Finders International celebrated a triple win at the Probate Research Awards 2021.
Finders International took home the Probate Research Firm of the Year award for the third year running, and its staff were highly commended in a number of other categories. Amy Cox of Finders was also recognised as best probate research paralegal, while Amy Fabris won for best human interest story. Danny Curran, the firm's founder (pictured), collected its awards.
The awards’ popularity demonstrates growing recognition for the probate research profession and the service it provides to local authorities and the wider legal industry.
Geoffrey Odds, company secretary of the International Association of Professional Probate Researchers and Genealogists (IAPPR) commented: ‘After years of being consigned to a fringe legal support service, it’s encouraging to watch how each year, this fascinating and helpful industry continues to grow in recognition, and thrive. As ever, it’s of utmost importance that as more people are attracted to work in this global industry, that integrity, trust and professionalism is maintained—and these awards recognise firms that excel in every area of upholding best standards.’
This article has been first published in newlawjournal.co.uk
Charles Russell Speechlys ‘Highly Commended’ as South of England Probate Law Firm
19 May 2021 – Charles Russell Speechlys in Guildford was ‘Highly Commended’ at the UK Probate Awards 2021 in the category of Best Probate Law Firm, South England.
The UK Probate Research Awards, known as the Probies, recognise excellence in law firm service delivery and the support given by law firms to probate researchers. They celebrate the achievements and skills of forensic genealogists, recognising the best of the best.
Charles Russell Speechlys’ estate administration hub in Guildford is ranked in the top tiers for both Legal 500 and Chambers Legal Directories and has a reputation for being caring, approachable and highly skilled. Led by highly experienced and specialised lawyers, Charles Russell Speechlys’ dedicated probate offering enables clients to benefit from access to lawyers from other specialisms within the firm, such as private property, real estate disputes, private wealth disputes and insolvency, to assist with complex estates.
Sally Ashford, Partner, Charles Russell Speechlys comments, “Huge congratulations to the whole team on receiving the ‘Highly Commended’ Award at the Probies. This is a strong reflection of the expertise provided by our team and also recognises our hard work and achievements over the last year.
“This has been our first year on the panel of preferred lawyers for Finders International Genealogists who are famed heir hunters, locating missing beneficiaries across the world. Our relationship with Finders has blossomed and we are thrilled that they nominated us as Best Probate Law Firm in the South.”
This article has been first published in surrey-chambers.co.uk
Two Harrison Drury solicitors shortlisted for prestigious industry award
Becci Haffner and Holly Radcliffe, both from the firm’s private client team, are finalists in the UK Probate Research Awards, recognising the achievements and talents of wills and probate professionals.
They are shortlisted in the Young Wills and Probate Professional category which celebrates young solicitors who have excelled in their roles or made a significant difference to their firms. In this category only five individuals have been shortlisted nationally.
Clare Fleming, head of Harrison Drury’s private client team, said: “Being an effective wills and probate lawyer not only requires a great deal of technical knowledge, it also calls for diplomacy, empathy and great communication skills.
“Both Holly and Becci both personify these qualities. They have made a tremendous contribution to our wills and probate service and to our clients on a day-to-day basis during the pandemic. I am delighted this has been recognised by the UK Probate Research Awards.”
Holly qualified as a solicitor in 2019 and joined Harrison Drury’s private client team in 2020. She is based in the Garstang and Lancaster offices and specialises in all non-contentious matters including wills, powers of attorney, the administration of the estates and Court of Protection work.
Becci joined Harrison Drury in 2014 as executive administrator, and qualified as a solicitor in 2020. She is based at the firm’s Clitheroe office and has developed a specialism in the administration of trusts and assisting on complex probate matters. She is also able to advise on contentious probate matters.
Clare added: “Holly has demonstrated the maturity that is usually gained only after extensive experience working in the legal profession. This is reflected in her rapport with clients, with many recommending her to their family and friends. She is an absolute role model to those coming into the legal profession.”
“Becci has technical knowledge of a solicitor much senior than her years. Her strength of character and ability to support others at work is commendable. She has the ability to meticulously deal with complicated matters and is a great asset to the firm.”
This article has been first published in lancashirebusinessreview.co.uk
The Probies 2021 was bigger and better than ever before!
Held virtually on 29 April 2021 and hosted by British criminal barrister and television personality Rob Rinder, the Probies celebrated the probate research industry in style.
Congratulations to all the winners of the evening! Details of which are below:
BEST PROBATE LAW FIRM: SCOTLAND
Winner: TC Young Solicitors (Glasgow)
Highly Commended: Sturrock Armstrong Thomson
BEST PROBATE LAW FIRM: NORTH ENGLAND
Winner: Ramsdens Solicitors LLP
Highly Commended: Chadwick Lawrence LLP
BEST PROBATE LAW FIRM: CENTRAL ENGLAND
Winner: Wright Hassall
Highly Commended: Pickerings Solicitors
BEST PROBATE LAW FIRM: WALES
Winner: Hugh James
Highly Commended: NewLaw Solicitors
BEST PROBATE LAW FIRM: SOUTH ENGLAND
Winner: Co-op Legal Services (Bristol)
Highly Commended: Charles Russell Speechlys
BEST PROBATE LAW FIRM: LONDON & SOUTH EAST
Winner: Brachers LLP
Highly Commended: Martin Tolhurst
BEST YOUNG WILLS & PROBATE PROFESSIONAL
Winner: Paige Gouldthorpe – Fosters Solicitors LLP
Highly Commended: Holly Radcliffe - Harrison Drury
BEST PROPERTY CLEARANCE FIRM
Winner: Cullen's Clearance Ltd
Highly Commended: Just Clear
BEST PROBATE RESEARCH PARALEGAL
Winner: Amy Cox – Finders International
BEST HUMAN INTEREST STORY
Winner: Amy Fabris – Story from Finders International
THE UNSUNG HERO AWARD
Winner: Ilinca Mardarescu - Aston Bond
Highly Commended: Rachel Jones - Aston Bond
BEST COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTION
Winner: The firm - Aston Bond
Highly Commended: Lorna Fleming - Finders International Ireland
BEST PROBATE RESEARCH INSURANCE PROVIDER
Winner: AVIVA
BEST PRIVATE DEPUTYSHIP FIRM
Winner: Bennett & Brown Deputyship Services
Highly Commended: Professional Deputies
BEST INTERNATIONAL PROBATE RESEARCHER OF THE YEAR
Winner: Amy Crabill Lay - American Global Heir Search
Highly Commended: Ryan Gregory - Finders International
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN INTERNATIONAL PROBATE RESEARCH
Winner: Jan-Mathis Holstein – GEN GmbH
Highly Commended: Antoine Djipka - ADD Associes
BEST UK PROBATE RESEARCH FIRM
Winner: Finders International
Highly Commended: Harrisons Research & Genealogy
The Probate Research Award 2021 Shortlist
This year’s Probies may be virtual, but it is bigger and better than ever with new award categories, our new judging panel and our host, British criminal barrister and television personality, Judge Rinder!
Founded by Meerkat PR, The UK Probate Research Awards celebrates the achievements and skills of forensic genealogists and probate professionals, recognising the best of the best.
We are excited to announce the shortlist for the 3rd Probate Research Awards as follows:
Best Probate Law Firm Scotland
- TC Young (Glasgow)
- Sturrock Armstrong Thomson
Best Probate Law Firm Wales
- Hugh James
- New Law
Best Probate Law Firm North England
- Ramsdens Solicitors
- Chadwick Lawrence LLP
- Tilly Bailey Irvine
Best Probate Law Firm Central England
- Wilson Browne Solicitors
- Wright Hassall
- Pickerings (Tamworth)
Best Probate Law Firm London & the South-East
- Aston Bond
- Martin Tolhurst
- Brachers LLP
- Osbornes
- Furley Page
Best Probate Law Firm South England
- Co-op (Bristol)
- Coole Bevis
- Charles Russell Speechleys
Young Wills and Probate Professional
- Jade Gani – Aston Bond
- Sophie Wallace – Brachers LLP
- Becci Haffner – Harrison Drury
- Holly Radcliffe – Harrison Drury
- Paige Gouldthorpe – Fosters Solicitors
Best Property Clearance Firm
- Just Clear
- Cullen’s Clearance
- Torbay Clearance Services Ltd
- AJ Site Clearance Ltd
- Simple As
Best Probate Research Paralegal
- Dee French-Patel – Finders International
- Heather Carson – Finders International
- Amy Cox – Finders International
The Unsung Hero Award
- Ilinca Mardarescu – Aston Bond
- Rachel Jones – Aston Bond
Best Community Contribution
- Aston Bond
- Lorna Fleming – Finders International Ireland
- David Lockwood – Finders International
Best Private Deputyship Firm
- Professional Deputies
- Bennett & Brown Deputyship Services
- Owl Guardian Services
Best International Probate Researcher of the Year
- Amy Crabill Lay – American Global Heir Search
- Ryan Gregory – Finders International
- Carmelo Guarino – Finders International
Outstanding Achievement in International Probate Research
- Ryan Gregory – Finders International
- Jan-Mathis Holstein – GEN
- Antoine Djipka – ADD Associes
Best UK Probate Research Firm
- Pro-Gen Research
- Finders International
- Harrisons Research and Genealogy
Good luck to all our shortlisters, we look forward to seeing you on the 29th April at 4pm! Attendance is free, so make sure you register to attend here.
Winners Announced at the Second UK Probate Research Awards
The second UK Probate Research Awards was held on 6 February at London’s DeVere Grand Connaught Rooms, the Bdaily reports.
Presented by BBC’s Nikki Bedi, the awards, sponsored by the National Association of Licensed Paralegals (NALP), Red Inc, Just Clear and Finders International gives recognition to the probate research profession and those that work with it. The article highlighted that probate research leads to a constant stream of fascinating news and personal finance stories with the evening celebrating excellence and best practice.
Unofficially known as ‘The Probies’, the article showcased the winners of the night, including law firms, probate researchers, paralegals and support services firms across the UK.
The article reported that the highlight of the evening was the winner of the Best Human Interest Story award, Margaret Abbotts. Margaret, 81 from London, has survived The Blitz during the war, had polio and, despite being told she could never give birth, went on to have four children.
Margaret had not known she had a half-sister who died intestate and she went on to inherit an unexpected windfall, the article said. The story was featured on ITV’s This Morning with Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford, in addition to features in the Daily Mail and The Guardian.
The article also listed the other winners of the night:
Best Probate Law Firm, Scotland: McClure Solicitors
Best Probate Law Firm, North of England: Ramsdens Solicitors
Best Probate Law Firm, Central England: Wilson Browne
Best Probate Law Firm, South England: Irwin Mitchell
Best Probate Law Firm, South East & London: Martin Tolhurst Solicitors
Best Probate Law Firm, Wales: Hugh James Solicitors
Best Property Clearance Firm: Just Clear
Best Probate Research Paralegal: Emma Bell of Finders International
Best Probate Deputyship Firm: Owl Guardian Services
Best Human Interest Story: Margaret Abbotts
Best International Probate Researcher: Carmelo Guarino
Best Community Contribution: Tilly Bailey Irvine
Best Probate Research Insurance Provider: Aviva Legal Indemnities
Outstanding Achievement in International Probate Research: Antoine Djipka from ADD Associés, France.
Best UK Probate Research Company of the Year: Danny Curran of Finders international
Winners have been announced!
The best of the best in the world of probate research was formally recognised and celebrated at the 2020 UK Probate Research Awards, Today’s Wills and Probate reports.
The article highlighted that ‘The Probies’, presented by BBC’s Nikki Bedi and sponsored by the National Association of Licensed Paralegals (NALP), Red Inc, Just Clear and Finders International recognises national and international probate researchers, paralegals, law firms and legal support services for their outstanding quality of work.
Highlights included the Best Human Interest Story award-winner, Margaret Abbotts and Best UK Probate Research Firm winner, Finders International – a regular on BBC’s Heir Hunters.
The awards also raised money for Alzheimer’s Society, a charity leading the battle against dementia, from their silent auction which raised more than £2,500 on the night.
The article also listed the other winners of the night:
Best Probate Law Firm, Scotland: McClure Solicitors
Best Probate Law Firm, North of England: Ramsdens Solicitors
Best Probate Law Firm, Central England: Wilson Browne
Best Probate Law Firm, South England: Irwin Mitchell
Best Probate Law Firm, South East & London: Martin Tolhurst Solicitors
Best Probate Law Firm, Wales: Hugh James Solicitors
Best Property Clearance Firm: Just Clear
Best Probate Research Paralegal: Emma Bell of Finders International
Best Probate Deputyship Firm: Owl Guardian Services
Best Human Interest Story: Margaret Abbotts
Best International Probate Researcher: Carmelo Guarino
Best Community Contribution: Tilly Bailey Irvine
Best Probate Research Insurance Provider: Aviva Legal Indemnities
Outstanding Achievement in International Probate Research: Antoine Djipka from ADD Associés, France.
Best UK Probate Research Company of the Year: Danny Curran of Finders international