Probate & Heir Tracing Timeline

A step-by-step guide from discovery to distribution

Stage 1: Estate Identified

The process begins when an unclaimed or partially claimed estate is identified, often due to the absence of known beneficiaries or uncertainty around entitlement.

What happens:

Estate is flagged by a local authority, solicitor, or public record

• Initial review of available information
• Confirmation that heirs may be missing or unknown

Stage 2: Will & Estate Due Diligence

Before tracing heirs, it is essential to confirm whether a valid Will exists and assess the estate.

What happens:

• Will searches conducted (including national registers and vaults)
• Asset and liability checks where appropriate
• Confirmation of intestacy or beneficiary gaps

Stage 3: Heir Tracing & Genealogical Research

Professional genealogical research is undertaken to identify entitled beneficiaries.

What happens:

• Family trees are constructed using historical and official records
• Birth, marriage, death, census, and migration records reviewed
• Potential heirs are identified and verified

Stage 4: Beneficiary Verification

Once potential heirs are located, their entitlement must be verified.

What happens:

• Identity checks and documentary evidence gathered
• Confirmation of lineage and legal entitlement
• Fraud prevention and accuracy checks completed

Stage 5: Beneficiaries Contacted

Verified beneficiaries are discreetly contacted.

What happens:

• Clear explanation of the estate and entitlement
• No upfront cost explanation (where applicable)
• Terms of engagement agreed

Stage 6: Legal & Probate Process

The legal probate process continues alongside heir verification.

What happens:

• Probate application progresses
• Executors or administrators liaise with solicitors
• Claims are formally recognised

Stage 7: Estate Administration

The estate is finalised and prepared for distribution.

What happens:

• Assets collected and liabilities settled
• Final accounts prepared
• Estate approved for distribution
• Stage 8: Distribution of Estate
• Confirmed heirs receive their inheritance.
• What happens:
• Funds distributed to beneficiaries
• Probate concluded
• Estate formally closed

Typical Timeframes

Every estate is different, but as a guide:

• Simple cases: 6–12 months
• Complex family lines / overseas heirs: 12–24+ months
• Reassurance for Beneficiaries
• No inheritance = no fee (where applicable)
• Professional, confidential handling at every stage
• Full transparency throughout the process