Our 20-plus full-time probate researchers have direct access to The National Archive’s public records – the General Register, censuses and UK electoral rolls – together with other current and historic listings.

We also maintain our own carefully developed, comprehensive in-house archives and specialist library.

We cover the UK and Ireland with a network of locally based agents and probate research teams.

For international probate cases, we work closely with specialist colleagues in North America, Australia, India, New Zealand, South Africa and throughout Europe.

We may have agreed with the Administrators of the estate (usually a solicitor) that they pay our fees.

Or we may have been instructed to agree a fee with any beneficiaries we trace. In that case we will not receive this pre-agreed fee until your claim has been proved and you receive your share of the estate.

Other firms may charge a research fee, whether or not you actually receive any money. But with Hoopers as your probate researchers, if you receive no inheritance, there will be no fee.