You May Be Entitled to an Inheritance
If you've been directed to this page, it's because you may have been identified as a beneficiary of a deceased person's estate, or you're looking for information about the beneficiary tracing process.
At Harrisons Private Client Solutions, our specialist probate genealogy team works with solicitors, executors, local authorities and estate administrators to identify, trace and verify beneficiaries across the UK and internationally.
Whether you've received a letter from us or are simply looking to understand how the process works, we're here to guide you every step of the way.
What is Beneficiary Tracing?
When someone dies without leaving a valid Will (known as dying intestate), or where beneficiaries named in a Will cannot be located, specialist family research is often required before the estate can be distributed.
Our experienced probate genealogists build comprehensive family trees using historical and modern records to identify everyone who may be legally entitled to inherit.
This helps ensure estates are administered correctly, protects personal representatives from making incorrect distributions and gives families confidence that every entitled beneficiary has been identified.
How Do We Trace Beneficiaries?
Every case is different, but our research may include:
- Birth, marriage and death records
- Census and historical archives
- Electoral registers
- Probate and Will records
- Overseas civil registration records
- Newspaper archives
- Local authority records
- Military and immigration records
- Genealogical databases
- Family history research
By combining traditional genealogy with modern research techniques, we can often trace relatives who have lost contact over many decades.
Why Have Harrisons Contacted Me?
We only contact individuals after careful research suggests they may have a genuine legal interest in an estate.
Before making contact, our team may spend weeks or even months verifying family relationships and confirming entitlement.
If you've heard from us, it's because we believe you may be able to help progress an estate or may have a potential entitlement to inherit.
What Happens Next?
Once you've confirmed your identity and signed the appropriate documentation, we'll:
- Explain the estate and your potential entitlement
- Help verify your family relationship
- Obtain any supporting documentation required
- Liaise with solicitors and estate administrators
- Keep you informed throughout the process
- Guide you through every stage until the matter is concluded
Our aim is to make what can seem like a complex legal process as straightforward and transparent as possible.
More Than Just an Inheritance
Whilst many beneficiaries are naturally interested in their inheritance, the journey often becomes much more personal.
Through our research, we regularly uncover fascinating family histories, reconnect relatives who have lost touch and provide families with information they never knew existed.
For many of our clients, discovering their family's story becomes just as valuable as the financial outcome.
Your Privacy Matters
We understand that receiving an unexpected letter or phone call can be surprising.
All information you provide is treated in the strictest confidence and handled in accordance with UK data protection legislation.
Personal details are never shared without permission unless required by law or necessary for the administration of the estate.
Learn More
What Would you like to do Next?
Whether you've recently heard from us or are looking for more information, we've created dedicated resources to guide you through every stage of the process.
📩 I've Received a Letter from Harrisons
Not sure why we've contacted you?
Learn why you may have been identified as a beneficiary, what happens next and how our genealogy team can help.
📁 I Need to Upload My Documents
Securely submit your identification, proof of address and supporting documentation through our encrypted upload portal.
👨👩👧👦 I'm Already Speaking to Harrisons
Visit our Beneficiary Information Centre to access helpful guides, frequently asked questions and everything you need during your case.
➡️ Visit the Beneficiary Information Centre
⏳ I'd Like to Understand the Process
Learn what happens from the moment beneficiaries are identified through to the final distribution of an estate.
➡️ View the Beneficiary Timeline
📖 I Don't Understand Some of the Legal Terms
Our plain English Probate Glossary explains common legal and probate terminology.
➡️ Browse the Probate Glossary
⚖️ I Want to Understand the Rules of Intestacy
Find out who inherits when someone dies without leaving a valid Will.
➡️ Read the Rules of Intestacy
Still Have Questions?
Our dedicated Client Care Team is here to help.
Whether you've received a letter from us, need assistance completing your paperwork or simply want to understand the process, we're only a phone call or email away.
