Brought to you by Meerkat PR, the probate research world has emerged as a profession that provides a constant stream of good news stories. Welcome windfalls and reunification of families are regular events, whilst invaluable research and essential services support the legal world. The UK Probate Research Awards celebrates the achievements and skills of forensic genealogists, recognising the best of the best.
OUR HOST
Our host for the virtual 2021 awards is British criminal barrister and television personality…
Rob Rinder
SIGN-UP NOW
This year, attendance for the virtual UK Probate Research Awards is FREE
REGISTRATION FOR THE PROBIES 2021 HAS NOW CLOSED!
Sponsors
– 2021 HEADLINE SPONSOR –
INTERESTED IN SPONSORSHIP?
We have sponsorship packages available for the Probies 2021 event. This year, we’re going virtual! This is a unique opportunity to
showcase your firm on the big screen in a fun, engaging and enjoyable setting. To view the full sponsorship package with further
details, please contact us and you will be sent the sponsorship package.
2020 Award Winners
2021 Awards Categories
BEST PROBATE LAW FIRM
Categories for: Scotland, Wales, North England, Central England, London & the South East, South England.
Probate solicitors are experts in estate administration and have legal, accountancy and administrative skills as well as patience and understanding. This award recognises not only the excellence of the services these solicitor firms deliver but also the best support they provide to probate researchers.
YOUNG WILLS & PROBATE PROFESSIONAL AWARD
This brand-new award for 2021 celebrates the work undertaken by a young solicitor. The judges are looking for a solicitor who has excelled in their role or made a significant difference to their firm.
AWARD SPONSOR: 
BEST PROPERTY CLEARANCE FIRM
This is awarded to a firm who can demonstrate compliance and excellence in this essential area of works.
BEST PROBATE RESEARCH PARALEGAL
This award is presented to an individual whose professional skills as a probate researcher and a licensed paralegal are recognised as exemplary.
AWARD SPONSOR: 
BEST HUMAN INTEREST STORY
Some stories uncovered by probate researchers touch people on an emotional level. It’s not financial benefit, but about real-life stories and unexpected outcomes that are truly unique. The stories uncovered by probate researchers and solicitors can be touching and heart-warming making their job all the more valuable.
AWARD SPONSOR: 
THE UNSUNG HERO
This brand-new award celebrates the people in a firm who may not usually be recognised but plays a vital role to the success of the team. This may be people/teams in marketing, social media, HR and secretarial/assistant work.
AWARD SPONSOR: 
BEST COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTION
This award is about recognising an individual or organisation that made a considerable and special contribution to the community.
AWARD SPONSOR: 
BEST PROBATE RESEARCH INSURANCE PROVIDER
Insurance companies cover risks against claims on estates. These risks are only accepted after an approved probate research firm has finalised their report.
BEST PRIVATE DEPUTYSHIP FIRM
Private deputyship firms perform vital role in safeguarding the affairs of vulnerable clients. This award recognises the important work private deputyship is in this specialist field and honours the trust and sensitivity of their role.
BEST INTERNATIONAL PROBATE RESEARCHER OF THE YEAR
Probate research often requires detailed knowledge and specialist skills in understanding research methods not just here in the UK but in other parts of the world where beneficiaries need to be located. This award will go to the researcher who has a proven record of amazing results.
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN INTERNATIONAL PROBATE RESEARCH
The award recognises an individual’s exceptional contribution to the industry ensuring that every aspect of research has been covered.
AWARD SPONSOR: 
BEST UK PROBATE RESEARCH FIRM
This award goes to the firm who has consistently impressed with its results, standards and quality of service. They will be committed to positively promoting the industry as well as being supportive to their clients.
WINNERS
Best Probate Law Firm: Scotland
Winner: TC Young (Glasgow)
Highly Commended: Sturrock Armstrong Thomson
Best Probate Law Firm: Wales
Winner: Hugh James
Highly Commended: New Law
Best Probate Law Firm: North England
Winner: Ramsdens Solicitors LLP
Highly Commended: Chadwick Lawrence LLP
Best Probate Law Firm: Central England
Winner: Wright Hassall
Highly Commended: Pickerings (Tamworth)
Best Probate Law Firm: London & South-East
Winner: Brachers LLP
Highly Commended: Martin Tolhurst
Best Probate Law Firm: South England
Winner: Co-op Legal Services (Bristol)
Highly Commended: Charles Russell Speechlys
Best Young Wills and Probate Professional
Winner: Paige Gouldthorpe – Fosters Solicitors LLP
Highly Commended: Holly Radcliffe – Harrison Drury
Best Property Clearance Firm
Winner: Cullen’s Clearance Ltd
Highly Commended: Just Clear
Best Probate Research Paralegal
Winner: Amy Cox – Finders International
The Unsung Hero Award
Winner: Ilinca Mardarescu – Aston Bond
Highly Commended: Rachel Jones – Aston Bond
Best Community Contribution
Winner: The firm – Aston Bond
Highly Commended: Lorna Fleming – Finders International Ireland
Best Private Deputyship Firm
Winner: Bennett & Brown Deputyship Services
Highly Commended: Professional Deputies
Best International Probate Researcher of the Year
Winner: Amy Crabill Lay – American Global Heir Search
Highly Commended: Ryan Gregory – Finders International
Outstanding Achievement in International Probate Research
Winner: Jan-Mathis Holstein – GEN GmbH
Highly Commended: Antoine Djipka – ADD Associes
Best UK Probate Research Firm
Winner: Finders International
Highly Commended: Harrisons Harrisons Research & Genealogy
Best Human Interest Story
Winner: Amy Fabris – Story from Finders International
Best Probate Research Insurance Provider
Winner: AVIVA
Best Probate Law Firm, Scotland: McClure Solicitors
Best Probate Law Firm, North of England: Ramsdens Solicitors
Best Probate Law Firm, Central England: Wilson Browne
Best Probate Law Firm, South England: Irwin Mitchell
Best Probate Law Firm, South East & London: Martin Tolhurst Solicitors
Best Probate Law Firm, Wales: Hugh James Solicitors
Best Property Clearance Firm: Just Clear
Best Probate Research Paralegal (Presented by Amanda Hamilton from NALP) : Emma Bell of Finders International
Best Probate Deputyship Firm: Owl Guardian Services
Best Human Interest Story: Margaret Abbotts
Best International Probate Researcher: Carmelo Guarino
Best Community Contribution (Presented by Adam Huttly from Red Inc) : Tilly Bailey Irvine
Best Probate Research Insurance Provider: Aviva Legal Indemnities
Outstanding Achievement in International Probate Research (Presented by James Empson from Finders International) : Antoine Djipka from ADD Associés, France
Best UK Probate Research Firm: Danny Curran of Finders international
Chosen Charity
Our chosen charity for 2021 is Reengage.
Reengage is a charity that is positive about older age and committed to fighting loneliness to that people can have social lives and friendship groups however old they are. Reengage works together with volunteers across the UK, tackling loneliness through their Call Companions programme and regular social groups which bring generations together for conversation and laughter.
Half of the funds received from nominations will be donated to Reengage.
