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The awards celebrate excellence in the probate sector, recognising top performers among probate solicitors and heir hunters.
Premier Solicitors and Finders International emerged as the big winners of the night, taking home the top prizes in their respective categories.
Premier Solicitors was awarded the title of National Probate Law Firm of the Year. The judges praised the firm for its innovative probate packages, which offer a transparent and holistic approach to fees and client welfare. Premier Solicitors has also achieved the second-highest volume of probate applications per annum nationally, according to the Ministry of Justice.
Finders International was named UK Probate Research Firm of the Year. The judges commended the firm for its expertise, commitment, and client-focused services. Finders International provides a diverse range of services not traditionally offered by companies in this space.
In the category of Best Probate Property Provider, Probate.Auction, the UK's first dedicated probate property online auction house, was recognized for its rapid growth over the past year.
The award for Story of Human Interest went to the touching tale of siblings Alfred and Margaret Ardener, who were reunited after 70 years apart thanks to the efforts of heir hunters solving the intestacy of their late sister Mabel. Their reunion was covered by The Times and Daily Mirror, with probate genealogy work conducted by Amy Cox at Finders International.
Antoine Djikpa, chair of the International Association of Professional Probate Researchers (IAPPR), highlighted the importance of recognizing the crucial work of legal and probate professionals, especially with the increasing number of intestacies and the strain on local authorities.
The Probies, now in their seventh year, are designed to celebrate and acknowledge the outstanding contributions of firms and individuals in the probate sector, fostering a spirit of excellence and innovation.
