Unscrupulous genealogists

Regulation is needed to protect the public from unscrupulous companies when they need to trace beneficiaries and unknown heirs, solicitors have said. More than 80% of probate solicitors surveyed by Cardiff-based genealogists, TracingDirect, said the creation of a regulated Association of Probate Genealogists is long overdue.

Jamie Aherne, director of TracingDirect, says: “With some companies offering slapdash, and in some cases dishonest service, we feel there is the potential for the industry to be damaged. Misleading information is allegedly being offered to potential beneficiaries.”