Our team had the pleasure of attending The Law Society’s Private Client Annual Conference this week, where Victoria Newey (Office of the Official Solicitor & Public Trustee) and Sophie O’Connell (Wilsons Solicitors LLP) delivered an insightful session on the Official Solicitor’s role in Court of Protection applications.
A key takeaway: “In deputyship cases where an individual is believed to have no next of kin, this is rarely the reality.”
For legal professionals working on deputyship applications, this serves as a timely reminder. The Official Solicitor’s office now actively recommends that genealogists or tracing agents be engaged early in the process to verify whether any next of kin (NOK) can be identified.
At Finders International, we’ve seen this play out time and time again. An individual may be thought to be alone in the world, but with the right expertise and access to specialist tools, it’s not uncommon to locate surviving relatives—sometimes surprisingly close family. These discoveries can have a meaningful impact on the handling of a Court of Protection matter, not to mention ensuring that legal duties of inquiry have been fulfilled properly.
Early engagement of a professional probate genealogist can save considerable time and costs in the long run, avoiding delays in the appointment of a deputy and supporting a more thorough, transparent application process. It can also provide peace of mind to legal teams and public bodies, knowing that all avenues have been explored.
Whether you’re a solicitor, local authority deputy, or involved in health and welfare applications, consider making genealogical research a routine part of your initial due diligence. If you’d like advice or support with a current or future matter, our team at Finders International are here to help.
📩 Get in touch with us today