In safe hands

As Fraser & Fraser, one of the UK's leading genealogy and probate research firms, celebrates its 90th birthday in May, it seems appropriate to look back at how the industry has developed. Increased media coverage, sociological change and advanced technology have all played their part in altering the landscape. And research firms must strike the right balance between modern and traditional methods to support private client advisers.

Today, genealogy is a hot topic. The BBC1 series Heir Hunters has just aired its seventh series, and genealogy websites that enable users to research their family trees are extremely popular. This rise in public interest has led to more small, amateur probate research firms arriving on the scene to compete with the larger, more established firms, offering a wider choice.

On some levels, this is a good thing, but it is always worth remembering that research can turn out to be more complex than anticipated. Therefore, a firm must be armed with the necessary resources to handle any issues.

Modern life

Looking back over the last 90 years, we can see the way society has developed to make family history less easy to research. Divorce rates have increased, the population continues to grow and emigrating overseas has become a feasible and popular choice. These factors make searching for missing beneficiaries more of a challenge, and Fraser & Fraser has the expertise to overcome the obstacles.

We have extensive resources at our fingertips, and employ skilled researchers who are unfazed by unusual family circumstances. Having built a network of European offices and overseas agents who are ready to pick up the baton and run with it, we are seeing continued growth. Because of the many twists and turns taken by some research, our experience has shown the need for flexibility when charging for our services. Like any good firm, we will always discuss the job with you and talk through the different fee options.

There is no doubt that the internet has been a main contributor to revolutionising the way in which genealogical work is carried out. Making the best use of technology is crucial to reduce costs, speed up the search process and increase communication. But technology and internet-based searches cannot be relied upon to always deliver results. In many cases, traditional forensic methods are still needed.

Some cases require a researcher to get out on the road and visit previous neighbours or acquaintances of the deceased or missing beneficiary; others may involve searching through physical records and archives. These are demanding and time-consuming methods that require adequate human resources to get the job done.

No substitute

All our researchers that carry out forensic methods are experienced, trained and equipped with a professional approach and the necessary specialist skills. Fraser & Fraser has access to the right technology and the right people. We would argue that technology, although essential, is no substitute for experience, knowledge and expertise.

Over the last 90 years, genealogy and probate research firms' work has changed, but some things have stayed the same. Since day one, Fraser & Fraser has offered dedicated support to solicitors and probate professionals in the UK and overseas. The firm has continued to grow and has built up international relationships and a vast portfolio of services, but it still remains in the hands of the family that started it up in 1923.

At the grand age of 90, Fraser & Fraser has the same values and aims that it started with: to be and always be a trusted and reliable partner to the legal profession.