We've Contacted You For A Reason
Understanding Why Tracing Direct May Have Contacted You
If you have received a letter, email, message or telephone call from Tracing Direct, it is likely that we have identified you as a potential beneficiary of an estate or require your assistance as part of a probate research investigation.
We understand that receiving unexpected correspondence can raise questions. This page has been created to explain who we are, why we may have contacted you and what happens next.
Who Are Tracing Direct?
The team at Tracing Direct are specialists in finding unknown or missing beneficiaries when someone dies without making a Will or the person who is entitled to their assets cannot be found.
Tracing Direct is a specialist probate research and beneficiary tracing company supporting solicitors, estate administrators, local authorities and executors throughout the UK and internationally.
Our role is to identify, verify and locate individuals who may be entitled to inherit from an estate or who may be able to assist with probate research.
We conduct all enquiries professionally, confidentially and in accordance with UK data protection legislation.
Why Have I Been Contacted?
There are several reasons why Tracing Direct may have contacted you as part of a probate research or beneficiary tracing matter.
You May Be A Beneficiary
You may have been identified as someone entitled to inherit from an estate.
Family Verification
We may require assistance confirming family relationships.
Estate Administration
We may be conducting research on behalf of solicitors or estate representatives.
Missing Family Connections
We may be attempting to reconnect family lines as part of probate research.
Have You Already Been Contacted By Someone Else?
If you have already been contacted by another company regarding the same estate or potential inheritance, it is important to take your time before making any decision.
In many cases, companies involved in probate research and beneficiary tracing must follow a similar process to verify your identity, confirm your family connection and progress a potential claim. The key difference is often the level of service, transparency and the terms you are being asked to accept.
Before signing any agreement, make sure you understand what commission rate you may be agreeing to and what this could mean for any inheritance you may receive. Ultimately, you should feel confident that you are making an informed decision and that you are comfortable with the amount you may be giving away in return for assistance.
Tracing Direct encourages beneficiaries to ask questions, compare information carefully and only proceed when they fully understand the process.
The amount you agree to relinquish in commission will directly affect how much of your inheritance you ultimately receive.
Before making any decision, make sure you understand:
✓ What commission rate of your inheritance you are agreeing to relinquish
✓ Whether there are any additional fees or charges
✓ Exactly what service is being provided
✓ Whether you have explored all available options
An inheritance is often a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Take the time to understand your choices before committing to any agreement.
"I was initially sceptical when I received a letter from Tracing Direct, however after speaking with the team they explained everything clearly and professionally. The process was genuine and handled with great care throughout."
— Former BeneficiaryHow Do I Know This Is Genuine?
We Encourage You To Verify Our Details
Before sharing information, you are welcome to:
✓ Contact us directly using the details on this website
✓ Verify our company details
✓ Speak with a member of our team
✓ Ask questions about the case
✓ Confirm any reference numbers provided
We believe transparency is essential and are always happy to explain our role and the purpose of our enquiries.
Real Experiences From People We've Helped
Many people are understandably cautious when receiving unexpected correspondence relating to an estate or inheritance. These comments come from individuals and families who were initially contacted by Tracing Direct and chose to work with our team. Their experiences reflect our commitment to professionalism, transparency and supporting beneficiaries throughout the process.
"I was a little suspicious when first contacted but the information pack and telephone conversations I had with your researchers set my mind at ease. The whole process was simple and the money I received was a real surprise."
"Wanted to thank you personally for all your work over the past few months. Never would have known anything about this without your involvement."
"Excellent company to deal with. My mother is very elderly and it was important that we as her family were able to obtain regular updates and keep her informed. She received her entitlement quickly."
"Courteous and friendly but also extremely professional in your approach."
"The family tree you provided was great. I knew nothing about relatives on my father's side and this has filled in the gaps. Thank you so much."
"Excellent service throughout. Would highly recommend using Tracing Direct."
Our Commitment“Supporting legal professionals and beneficiaries through careful research, professional integrity and proven expertise. Behind every estate is a family story. Our role is to ensure the right people are found.”
Jamie Aherne - Founder, Tracing Direct
Could Your Inheritance Be Worth More Than You Think?
Explore these illustrative examples on a £100,000 estate to see how a beneficiary's share of an estate could be calculated. Every case is different, and your actual entitlement will depend on the specific circumstances of the estate.
What Could Your Potential Entitlement Look Like?
Explore these examples to understand what a beneficiary's share of an estate could look like once an estate is ready for distribution.
These examples assume a net estate entitlement of £100,000, meaning solicitor fees, administration costs, taxes and other estate-related expenses have already been deducted and the remaining funds are available for distribution to beneficiaries.
For demonstration purposes only, we have used an example commission rate of 5% plus VAT. This is not a fixed rate and is provided purely for illustration purposes. The commission rate agreed in any individual case may be higher or lower depending on the specific circumstances of the matter.
Example 1: Sole Beneficiary
Net Estate Entitlement: £100,000
Number of Beneficiaries: 1
Example Commission Rate: 5% plus VAT
| Net Estate Entitlement | £100,000.00 |
| Example Commission (5%) | £5,000.00 |
| VAT on Commission (20%) | £1,000.00 |
| Total Commission Including VAT | £6,000.00 |
| Estimated Amount Received | £94,000.00 |
Example 2: Three Equal Beneficiaries
Net Estate Entitlement: £100,000
Number of Beneficiaries: 3 Equal Shares
Example Commission Rate: 5% plus VAT
| Individual Share Before Commission | £33,333.33 |
| Example Commission (5%) | £1,666.67 |
| VAT on Commission (20%) | £333.33 |
| Total Commission Including VAT | £2,000.00 |
| Estimated Amount Received By Each Beneficiary | £31,333.33 |
Important Information
These examples are provided solely for illustrative purposes and are designed to help explain how a commission arrangement may operate in practice.
The examples assume a net estate entitlement of £100,000. A net estate entitlement means that all estate liabilities and expenses, including solicitor fees, administration costs, taxes and any other estate-related expenses, have already been deducted and the remaining funds are available for distribution to beneficiaries.
For demonstration purposes only, the examples use an example commission rate of 5% plus VAT.
The commission rate shown is not a fixed rate. Every estate and every beneficiary claim is different and the commission agreed may be higher or lower depending on the individual circumstances of the case, the complexity of the research undertaken and the services being provided.
Actual amounts received by beneficiaries may vary depending on:
- The final net estate entitlement
- The number of beneficiaries entitled to inherit
- Individual entitlement percentages
- The terms of any agreement entered into
- The specific circumstances of the estate administration
What Happens Next? Start Your Claim In 3 Easy Steps.
Step 1
We’ll send your Letter of Agreement by Docusign or surface post
Step 2
Review the Agreement you have received and contact our team in you have any questions.
Step 3
Sign and return the agreement instructing us to begin you claim. Once received, we will start the claim process on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQs or reach out anytime.
📞 0800 0431 793
📧 info@tracingdirect.co.uk
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One of our roles at Tracing Direct is to locate missing heirs to estates where an individual has passed away without leaving a Will and the next of kin is unknown. If we have contacted you, it is because our research suggests you may be related to this person and could be an entitled beneficiary. You will initially receive a letter or telephone call from our team giving you details of the case and to confirm certain family details. We may also contact you if we believe you can assist with our research on a particular case.
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We understand some beneficiaries might be sceptical at being contacted, particularly if they do not know the deceased. You can be reassured by the fact that at no time will we ask for any payment. The team at Tracing Direct is made up of established probate researchers and our company registration number - 06123256 - can be verified at Companies House. We are also licensed with the Data Protection Register.
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Intestacy laws in England and Wales will accept the claims of a deceased’s spouse, children, grandchildren and other blood relatives, extending to first cousins or their descendants. A legally adopted child also has full rights of inheritance from the family he or she is adopted into. The adoption process ends any right the adopted child has to inherit from the biological family.
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Once we are certain of our research, Tracing Direct will send an information pack to each beneficiary we believe to be entitled to a share of the estate. . The information pack includes details as to why you have been contacted and also a letter of agreement that you will be represented by Tracing Direct for the duration of the case. When this agreement is completed by at least one beneficiary, we take the necessary steps to prove the entitlement and make a formal claim to the Treasury Solicitor.
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We cannot give you an exact time as each case is different. and depends on the complexity of the case. During the administration of an estate, a solicitor may deal with the sale of any property or assets and this needs to be factored into the timescale.
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Tracing Direct works alongside a dedicated firm of probate solicitors, who hold extensive knowledge of intestate cases. Beneficiaries can be assured their claim will be handled efficiently and at no cost to themselves as legal fees are settled directly from the estate. During the process, a beneficiary will be appointed as administrator. The role will involve making decisions about the estate with the guidance of the solicitor. Beneficiaries are also entitled to instruct their own solicitor. However, we would advise that whoever is appointed works for a law firm with a probate department experienced in intestate estates.
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Cases advertised by the Treasury Solicitor have a minimum value of £500. When a formal claim has been accepted, the appointed administrating solicitor will be able to establish the value of the estate. A definitive figure is confirmed near completion of the case.
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Each case is unique and your entitlement depends on a combination of factors, which include the net value, number of beneficiaries and your position on the family tree.
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Nearly all probate research companies in the UK will charge VAT, together with a commission for their work. You should be aware that the VAT is calculated on the commission we receive and not on your gross entitlement. For example, if you were to receive £1,000 from an estate and our commission rate was 10 percent, the VAT would be calculated on our £100 commission i.e. £20. Beneficiaries residing outside the European Union are exempt from VAT.
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No. Tracing Direct undertakes all cases at its own expense and uses its considerable in-house resources to research and locate beneficiaries. Should the estate prove to be insolvent then we do not receive any payment for our time and effort. Beneficiaries can also be assured that they will not be held personally liable for any outstanding debts relating to an intestate estate.
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Like all probate companies, Tracing Direct receive a commission from the entitlement of the beneficiaries that we represent. This commission is based on the volume of research. Tracing Direct considers each case on its own merits and believes in offering an extremely competitive service within the industry. The rate of commission is always included in our correspondence and there are never any additional costs to you.
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No. Our charges are based on a percentage and cannot equate to more than you will receive.
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If you have already been contacted by another company regarding the same estate or potential inheritance, it is important to take your time before making any decision.
In many cases, companies involved in probate research and beneficiary tracing must follow a similar process to verify your identity, confirm your family connection and progress a potential claim. The key difference is often the level of service, transparency and the terms you are being asked to accept.
Before signing any agreement, make sure you understand what percentage or fee you may be agreeing to and what this could mean for any inheritance you may receive. Ultimately, you should feel confident that you are making an informed decision and that you are comfortable with the amount you may be giving away in return for assistance.
Tracing Direct encourages beneficiaries to ask questions, compare information carefully and only proceed when they fully understand the process.
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No. Each heir is entitled to choose who they wish to represent them. Although we do advise that beneficiaries use an established company, like Tracing Direct, with a proven track record in handling intestate estates.
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It is possible, but not something we would advise. For a claim to be successful it needs to be proven that your entitlement is genuine. This may require in-depth research into close and distant relatives on both sides of the family and supported by birth, marriage and death certificates. Should the estate subsequently be insolvent or of little value, the cost of this outlay would be yours. Whereas Tracing Direct covers the cost of all research and certificates necessary to make a successful claim on your behalf, no matter what the result is.
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Yes. Due to the sensitive nature of our work, Tracing Direct strictly adheres to the Data Protection Act and is licensed with the Data Protection Register. We do not pass information on to third parties. Beneficiaries can also be assured that details will not be revealed to other family members, except where you have expressed a wish for us to do so. We appreciate that in certain circumstances family members would like to be reunited with relatives they have lost contact with. We are happy to arrange this.
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We are able to provide you with an outline of your family tree at no cost.
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Assets, such as property and land, are normally sold at market value at the time that the estate is under administration. Smaller items, such as photographs and heir looms, are not usually kept except in certain circumstances. We are aware that being informed of the passing of a family member can be a distressing experience. Our research can sometimes confirm the circumstances and locate the final resting place.
