Member Article

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 was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by David Stoch .