We understand that being contacted unexpectedly can raise questions. Here you’ll find clear answers to the most common queries we receive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why have I been contacted?
Our clients are predominantly law firms in the UK who instruct us to undertake genealogical research or provide tracing services for probate matters.
In most instances, we have contacted you because we believe that you may be entitled to receive a share of an estate we are researching.
You may also know, or have information relating to, an individual we are attempting to locate and contact.
Please note that we do not trace debtors, and the reason for our contact shall never be to your detriment.
How did you obtain my contact information?
As probate researchers, we utilise a combination of publicly available records and licensed databases to locate individuals.
This may include, but is not limited to, the Electoral Register; birth, marriage and death records; and archival resources.
If you are a beneficiary living outside the UK, your information may have been obtained:
- Directly through publicly available records in your country
- Through an international Third Party operating in your country
- From a relative or friend
Please rest assured that all sensitive private information is handled securely, lawfully and in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (‘GDPR’). Further information can be found in our Privacy Policy.
How do I know this is legitimate?
We completely understand that you may have concerns about the unexpected nature of our contact.
Sherwood Taylor works primarily with law firms in the UK. Upon request, as proof of our involvement in this estate matter, we are happy to provide you with a copy of the Letter of Authority/Instruction received from our client.
We are a registered business in England and Wales (Company No: 17457267) and are registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) for Data Protection purposes (No: ZC250237).
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at info@sherwoodtaylor.co.uk
When will I receive my share of the estate?
Some estates are far more complex than others.
For example, if there are overseas assets or missing beneficiaries (either in the UK or internationally), this may delay the estate administration process. The distribution of estate funds to the beneficiaries may therefore take longer to complete.
Whilst we cannot provide an exact timeline, a 12-to-18-month period is generally considered standard before you can expect to receive your share of the estate.
Our involvement ends once we have finalised and submitted our research report to our client. However, please feel free to contact us if you have not received your share after 18 months, and we shall request an update from our client.
How are you paid?
Our firm is usually instructed on a fixed fee and disbursement basis. This means that our fee is deducted from the estate before funds are distributed to the beneficiaries.
Alternatively, we are sometimes instructed on a contingency basis. This means that we trace the beneficiaries at our own expense, offering to take the steps necessary to prove your entitlement and recover your share of the estate. Our payment is a fixed percentage (plus VAT) of the net sum you ultimately receive. Our fee is only paid once the estate has been distributed, and should we be unable to recover your share for any reason, you will not be liable for any fee.
At no point during the process will you be asked to part with any money nor shall you be liable for any upfront payment.
Will I be informed if anything changes?
We will always endeavour to contact you as soon as possible should there be any unexpected developments which affect your entitlement to the estate.
You are welcome to contact us at any point to request an update on your case. Please note that once an update has been provided, we kindly ask that you wait a minimum of 3 months before contacting us again (unless urgent).
Can’t find what you’re looking for?
We’re here to help. Please get in touch and we’ll be happy to assist you.