Daniel Curran of Finders International wins at the 2023 Probate Research Awards

Probate researchers were awarded for their success in solving international intestacy cases, predominantly linked to recent deaths of nationals born in their countries of origin - that gained independence in the mid 20th century – at the 2023 Probate Research Awards.

Finders International, the UK’s largest probate research firm, went on to win the top accolade at the event.

Now in its fifth year, the Awards unofficially known as “The Probies” was hosted by criminal barrister and TV personality, Rob Rinder, judged competing probate solicitors and heir hunters of all sizes across the UK, and globally, on service, client success and exceptional cases. The awards also evaluated will writing, deputyship and paralegal rising stars, in addition to support services to industry such as household clearance and probate property specialists.

Heir hunter Daniel Curran, founder of forensic genealogy firm, Finders International won the category of Probate Research Firm of the Year for a fifth year in a row. Judges awarded the top accolade best on the firm’s growth and track record of client success (some cases of which featured on BBC’s Heir Hunters show), multi-sector work, development and training for the legal sector – and notable pro bono work for local authorities across the UK.

Heir hunters / legal industry rise to the challenge through global partnerships

Geoffrey Odds, company secretary of the International Association of Professional Probate Researchers and Genealogists (IAPPR) commented: “We’ve reached a point in time when probate researchers (or solicitors) are dealing with a glut of cases linked to the birth of many new nations declaring statehood from the 1930s to the 1960s. Many family members were left behind, some never seeing their relatives again and this has presented a whole new set of challenges for probate solicitors (or heir hunters) in cross-border cooperation, foreign jurisdictions and a race against time to identify surviving family members. While this has been a challenge for the industry, it’s hugely encouraging to see ever-increased collaboration between UK and global heir hunters, probate solicitors and support services honouring the legacy of those who have passed away outside their countries of origin.”