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This remarkable story began with the death of Mabel Alice Ardener, aged 84, who passed away alone in Worthing Hospital, Sussex in August 2021. Mabel had never married, had no children, no known relatives, and had not made a will. But what seemed at first to be a routine case soon revealed a deeper and more emotional journey.

We are thrilled to share that Finders International has proudly taken home two prestigious awards at The Probate Industry Awards last night, Thursday 24th April. The team were honoured with ‘UK Probate Research Firm of the Year’ and ‘Story of the Year’, recognising not only the exceptional quality of our research services, but also the deeply human stories that emerge from our work.

From email accounts and social media profiles to cryptocurrency wallets and cloud storage, digital assets are now a significant part of a person’s legacy. Yet, when someone dies without a will, known as dying intestate, the future of those digital assets can be complex, uncertain, and often overlooked.

We are delighted to announce that Finders International is partnering with AtaLoss as our chosen charity for 2025.  AtaLoss is an incredible organisation committed to supporting those who are grieving.

Local councils across the Country have a statutory responsibility to deal with anyone who passes away in their area where it appears no one else is willing or able to make funeral arrangements.

Probate research play a crucial role in identifying the rightful beneficiaries and ensuring that abandoned or disputed properties are legally transferred.

Local authorities across England and Wales frequently encounter cases where individuals pass away without known next of kin. In such instances, councils are responsible for arranging a funeral.

When it comes to inheritance, many people assume their assets will automatically pass to their loved ones. However, if you don’t have a valid will in place, your estate could be distributed in ways you never intended.

From intestacy to inheritance, probate research provides the missing link that ensures every estate is settled, every heir is found, and every story is completed.

Whether an individual dies with assets in multiple countries, has beneficiaries residing abroad, or is a foreign national with assets in the UK, navigating the intricacies of international probate law requires specialised knowledge and expertise.