Genealogy Services

Executor Cover

If a beneficiary comes forward after distribution, the insurer will pay out under the terms of the Bond of Caution, however there is a risk that the insurer will subsequently seek to recover, from the Executor, monies paid out under the Bond.

If Estate Research have checked the family tree and it is correct, then we will be able to provide you with a quote for Executor Cover (also known as a ‘Comfort Policy’). This protects the heirs and beneficiaries and even in many circumstances, the solicitors from any future possible claims.

The policy covers a wide range of risks including:

A Will being discovered after the estate is distributed which changes entitlement to the Deceased’s estate.
After the estate is distributed, someone who is not insured by this Policy and is missing at the date of distribution, successfully exerting a claim upon the estate.
A buyer claims that an item which they purchased from the Deceased’s estate, was not rightfully owned by the Deceased and the buyer having to return the item.
A challenge being raised against the validity of the will, by someone who is not named in the will, either because:
1. the will is fraudulent or was not properly executed; or
2. the Deceased did not have the proper mental capacity required to make the will, did not approve the will or have proper knowledge of its contents.
Financial claims by Creditors who are unknown when the estate is distributed (subject to an excess equal to 1% of the Policy Amount and a limit of 10% of the Policy Amount, or £50,000.00, whichever is the smaller).

The above list is not exhaustive, and a copy of the full policy wording is available on request. The policy can also be extended to cover ‘known’ issues such as a missing beneficiary.

Family Tree Check

If you are applying for an indemnity policy to cover the Executor(s) the insurers should ask whether the family tree has been verified by a genealogist, if so, cover can be offered at a preferential rate.

When the only evidence you have in relation to a family tree is provided by the family it is recommended that an independent check is carried out. How do you know your client is in possession of the full set of facts? There is always the possibility of “unknowns” in any family.

Estate Research carry out a free assessment of the family tree provided and can advise if there are areas that warrant further investigation. If it is an immediate family check we can undertake this for free.

Estate Research will carry out the requisite investigations to provide you with a family tree that you can rely upon.