A new industry association has recently been launched today for the professional heir hunting industry, with the aim of providing a single authoritative source of opinion and advice.

The International Association of Professional Probate Researchers, Genealogists & Heir Hunters (IAPPR) is the brainchild of Finders International, who featured heavily in the hit BBC1 TV show ‘Heir Hunters’ earlier this year, and are now filming again for a new series.

Daniel Curran, founder member and media consultant of the IAPPR, said:

“I have been searching for a viable international and professional association for my company for years with no success. The IAPPR will achieve worldwide attention and international support without a doubt – and the public and legal profession will stand to benefit enormously.”

There are amateur associations for genealogists, and for those that traditionally trace their family trees, but the IAPPR will support the corporate world of international probate research, that focuses on tracing the missing or unknown beneficiaries to unclaimed estates, assets and funds.

Louise Lewis of Blake Morgan LLP, a leading firm of solicitors, said:

“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.”