Welcome to The International Association of Professional Probate Researchers, Genealogists & Heir Hunters
Raising Standards in Professional Probate Research
Raising Standards in Professional Probate Research
The International Association of Professional Probate Researchers, Genealogists & Heir Hunters (IAPPR) is an association for highly experienced professional companies that provides reassurance for those using their services and a forum for industry advice and media consultation.
The IAPPR is a voluntary registered scheme. We promote the interests of professional probate researchers, genealogists and heir hunters because we believe these professionals are important members of the legal services industry.
Those who belong to the IAPPR are committed to safe and ethical standards. They subscribe to the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct Code.
If you have been approached by a probate researcher or an unclaimed asset, property or estate research firm, ask them if they are an IAPPR member to give you peace of mind. Check our Members Page here.
Whether you are an industry professional or from the media or general public, please feel free to contact us.
IAPPR AGM - Paris 2025 Highlights
The IAPPR hosted its Annual General Meeting on 14 October 2025 at ChateauForm St Dominique in Paris, focusing on governance, strategy, and innovation.
Members approved significant updates to modernise the Articles of Association, including the creation of an Executive Board, reinforced ethical and data protection standards, and the introduction of environmental and transparency clauses.
A targeted recruitment policy was adopted to attract trusted professionals aligned with IAPPR values.
Industry updates highlighted growth, digital investment, and market resilience, alongside regulatory challenges and signs of consolidation.
The meeting also featured a session on AI in probate genealogy, exploring its potential to improve efficiency while stressing the importance of governance and human oversight.
IAPPR AGM - Rotterdam 2024 Highlights
The IAPPR held its Annual General Meeting on 10 October 2024 at Hotel New York in Rotterdam, welcoming international representatives to address governance, strategy, and industry developments.
Key outcomes included an increased emphasis on GDPR awareness for non-European members, with IAPPR taking an educational role in data protection compliance. There was an agreement to strengthen the association’s online presence, including improved visibility and digital engagement.
IAPPR AGM - Berlin 2023 Highlights
The International Association of Professional Probate Researchers (IAPPR) convened its Annual General Meeting on 19 October 2023 in Berlin, Germany. The event brought together leading firms to review progress and set strategic priorities.
Discussions focused on expanding the association’s reach through engagement with potential new members and strengthening ties with public advisory bodies.
The meeting also featured updates from member firms on industry trends, operational developments, and international casework, underscoring continued growth and collaboration within the probate research sector.
IAPPR 2017 AGM
Held by the founder members in Hoxton, London on September 21st 2017
An Authority for Professionals around the World
INFORMATION
Keeping our Members, the public and the media up to date
PLANNING
Providing foresight in an ever-changing arena
CAMPAIGNING
Using strategic, combined efforts to create positive change
ADVICE
Helping others by providing access to expert professionals around the globe
DELIVERY
Making a real and lasting difference
“The IAPPR is a positive step to bring regulation safeguards and standards to probate research. Safeguarding the public and beneficiaries/heirs is vitally important and therefore having a minimum standard provides confidence to the end user; in that the probate researchers, genealogists and heir hunters must act in accordance with those high standards. As a firm of solicitors we know how important it is to ensure high standards are met. As a firm we are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and in addition to this we set ourselves a higher standard by having Lexcel accreditation to ensure that our clients receive the best possible service. It is extremely encouraging and exciting to see Finders taking the lead with this new initiative and committing themselves to achieving these high standards.”
"As a professional, I am regulated by an independent body. Regulation safeguards the public because it ensures that I have to meet a minimum standard of professional conduct and ethics. It provides peace of mind for those dealing with me. Sadly, I have seen what can happen to clients who deal with unregulated service providers and how expensive and distressing it can be when things go wrong. I welcome Finders voluntarily signing up to a Code of Conduct, confirming that they act in accordance with very high standards. It shows a commitment to protecting their clients and to providing a sustained high quality of service."
"Heir hunting is a highly competitive and, until now, entirely unregulated business. With around two-thirds of Britons still dying without a Will, lack of regulation has led to unethical practices and fishing scams. Congratulations, Daniel Curran of Finders International, on having the courage and vision to create and sign up to the IAPPR in order to afford a mark for integrity and quality in this field. I am sure that this will be welcomed both by the public and legal and other professionals worldwide."