Blanchards specialises in nationwide genealogy and tracing services for legal professionals. This case study shows how essential probate genealogists can be when inheritance cases involve incomplete information or fragmented family connections. With families often relocating abroad or losing touch over time, identifying those legally entitled to inherit is not always straightforward. Blanchards helps resolve these complexities by uncovering the correct next of kin and ensuring estates are administered lawfully.
How the Case Began
Our team was asked to determine who should act as executor or next of kin for Mr Smith, who had passed away in Portugal sometime between 2014 and 2016. Only his date of birth and last known address were available at the beginning. The first key development came after securing a copy of his birth certificate, which confirmed the names of his parents and provided a vital starting point for mapping his family history.
Contact with the Funeral Home
We reached out to the funeral directors, who informed us that a friend had handled the arrangements. The friend shared everything he knew, though details were limited due to their brief acquaintance. Importantly, he had found contact information for a relative and the name of a company the relative worked for among Mr Smith’s possessions.
Following Leads to the United States
Further enquiries revealed that Mr Smith had been employed by a company based in the United States. Our researchers examined social media to locate anyone with the relative’s name working there. At the same time, genealogical research uncovered a UK birth record that matched the names on Mr Smith’s birth certificate and identified a sibling who had emigrated to the United States. Contact was eventually established with the correct family member, who confirmed that Mr Smith had used several names over the years and had moved abroad in the early 2000s after separating from his spouse.
Returning to UK Records
A marriage record for Mr Smith was later located in the UK. His spouse proved difficult to trace, so we ordered a copy of the spouse’s parent’s will, which listed an up-to-date address. This allowed us to successfully locate the spouse, who confirmed that although the couple had been separated for many years, they had never divorced, making the spouse the legal next of kin.
Conclusion
This intestacy case presented unusual challenges because the deceased had relocated overseas and changed names during his lifetime. By rebuilding his family structure and verifying every link, Blanchards identified the correct heir and worked alongside solicitors to ensure the beneficiary received their lawful inheritance. Given the long-standing estrangement, the outcome was likely unexpected for the beneficiary. This case is one example of the thorough and detailed support Blanchards provides to the legal community. If you require assistance with a case, we are ready to help.
This article was submitted by Blanchards Inheritance as part of their advertising agreement with Today’s Wills and Probate. The views expressed in this article are those of the submitter and not those of Today’s Wills and Probate
