News and Views

Heir hunters fees - STEP guidance

The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) has issued guidance to 6000 of its UK members on the risks associated with percentage fees (or 'contingency' fees) charged by heir hunters. More •

The 'Fairness Campaign' - one year on

We reflect back over the Title Research 'Fairness Campaign' to end excessive heir hunter fees. In a challenging economic environment, consumers and the legal profession, have become far more focused on value for money and getting a fair deal for themselves and their clients. More •

Ontario Acts to Limit Heir Hunter Fees

Regulation to curb excessive heir hunter charges gains Royal Assent in Ontario, Canada More •

Opinion poll reveals major concerns over heir hunter fees

A major new poll reveals significant public concern over percentage fees charged by probate genealogists. Over 2000 members of the general public gave their views. Title Research is calling for better consumer protection and industry best practice. More •

Lawfulness of contingency fees questioned

Two leading barristers on probate law have raised a number of concerns about the legality of contingency fee agreements used by heir locators. More •

No next of kin? How bona vacantia estates can yield instructions, as well as heirs

Every year over 2,000 apparently ownerless estates are referred to the Bona Vacantia authorities. At a time when competition in the probate arena is at an all time high, practitioners can draw commercial opportunities from these estates, which very often can yield clients as well as heirs. More •