- Title or Description
- Probate Research
- FOI Number
- 2024266
- Date Received
- 01/03/2024
- Type of Request
- FOI
- Request or Question
- I am seeking information regarding the use of Probate Researchers or Probate Research Firms (often referred to as 'heir hunters') by the council. Specifically, I would like to request the following information (in the following, "you" refers to the council / authority for whom you work): 1. Have you used a Probate Researcher or Probate Research Firm (commonly known as 'heir hunters') in any capacity in the last 12 months? Do you have a formal arrangement or contract in place with a Probate Research firm? Have you ever used a Probate Researcher or Probate Research Firm (commonly known as 'heir hunters') in any capacity? This includes but is not limited to engaging their services to trace potential heirs or beneficiaries of deceased estates. I kindly request that you provide any relevant documents, records, or information pertaining to the above requests.
- Response
-
Via the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership, Empty Homes Officers across Scotland are able to access services provided by Genealogist firms, which can be referred to as heir hunters . This is a free service offered to all Local Authority Empty Homes Officers.
At Scottish Borders Council, via our Empty Homes Officer, we can confirm that we have used a Genealogist in the last 12 months. To facilitate the use of these services we have a data sharing agreement in place with one Genealogist firm. They are able to assist our Empty Homes Officer by tracing missing owners, providing confirmation if the owner is deceased and advising of any potential next of kin, who we may be able to engage with to aid in bringing the empty property back into use. We have not used any additional services that are be provided over and above that of tracing ownership.
Relevant documents can be found in the links below.
Why Fraser & Fraser? | Genealogists in London (fraserandfraser.co.uk) Public Sector Services - Finders International - Related links
- Fraser & Fraser (Why Us)
- Finders International
