Fee Options

All our fee options are independently checked and approved and in most cases you will be given a choice as to which you prefer. However, in some situations not all options are appropriate and we will advise you on this according to the specific circumstances of the case you are working on when we provide a quotation.

Please read more about our fee options below. If special circumstances exist and you would like to discuss a bespoke fee structure, please contact us.

In all cases we will always provide you with a full report at the conclusion of our research.

Contingency

Research is carried out at no charge to the Estate or your firm. A percentage commission is agreed with heir(s) payable from their individual net share(s) on distribution of the Estate. This is currently our most popular fee option.

  • Ideal in intestate Estates where there is no known next of kin or part of the family is missing or unknown.
  • Also possible where tracing heirs named in a Will.
  • Quick results - work can commence immediately on telephoned or online authority.
  • Maximum percentage commission can be set in advance.
  • No personal or financial risk to Solicitors, Administrators or heirs.
  • Sums due to any currently known heirs will remain unaffected and their claims can be verified free of charge in the course of research.
  • Finders Missing Will Service is available free of charge when this option is chosen.
  • Work can be completed within a timescale of your choosing.
  • No disbursement charges.
  • No heir(s) found = No fee.

Estate/Trust Agreement

Research is carried out at no charge to the Estate or your firm. A percentage commission or pre-arranged fee is agreed with Executor, Administrator, Trustee or Personal Representative ("PR") in advance. Our fee is then payable from the individual net share(s) of any heir(s) we locate on distribution of the Estate or share(s) in question.

  • Ideal where modest sums are at stake, but can be used in most situations where a PR is already appointed.
  • Suited to situations where the heir(s) to be found are thought to be close kin to the Deceased (i.e. Spouse or issue), minors or disabled.
  • Quick results - work can commence immediately on telephoned or online authority.
  • Maximum percentage commission or pre-arranged fee can be set in advance. 
  • No disbursement charges .
  • No heir(s) found = No fee.

 

Budget

Research carried out to an agreed budget limit and paid by the general estate. We report on the conclusion or progress made within this figure. Please note that, whilst we try to quote to complete research within the budget, further budget(s) may be required if research expands or is more complex than originally anticipated. Our fees are inclusive of all general expenses (post/fax etc.) but exclusive of disbursements (see Terms & Conditions for details) which are recharged at cost. Fees payable by 28 day invoice on production of our report.

  • Ideal where steady progressive research is preferred, usually into specifically defined areas of the family tree.
  • Suitable for research to find beneficiaries named in Wills.
  • Minimal Estate value / sum at stake restrictions.

Fixed Fee

Fee paid by the general estate. Once the research goal is determined, which could be to trace heirs or prove a negative to the advantage of existing heirs, a fee is agreed which is payable only if that goal is achieved. Fees payable by 28 day invoice on production or our report. The fixed fee includes all general expenses (post/fax etc.), but excludes disbursements (see Terms & Conditions for details).

  • Ideal where a maximum possible research fee is of reassurance to Executors / Administrators or their lawyers.
  • Avoids repeated budget stages of research and, therefore, could save money if research expands beyond the original expectations.
  • Usually an option in both testate and intestate scenarios.
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Accreditations

Association of Professional Genealogists   Finders is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists
Expert Witness Directory   Finders are a checked and approved firm in the Expert Witness Directory
Aviva   We are Missing Beneficiary Indemnity Insurance agents for Aviva (formerly Norwich Union) & authorised & regulated by the Financial Services Authority.
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