The staff were efficient and pleasant and gave us a good outcome after they did a lot of hard work over several months.
Company replied
While we don't verify specific claims because reviewers' opinions are their own, we may label reviews as "Verified" when we can confirm a business interaction took place. Read more
To protect platform integrity, every review on our platform—verified or not—is screened by our 24/7 automated software. This technology is designed to identify and remove content that breaches our guidelines, including reviews that are not based on a genuine experience. We recognise we may not catch everything, and you can flag anything you think we may have missed. Read more
See what reviewers are saying
It was a surprise to be contacted. Some of it was confusing but overall very interesting experience. Lovely young lady to chat with. Communication was very good
Company replied
Very helpful & happy to answer questions. Put a lot of hard work into tracking down family & sending out information explaining how we are related to a deceased relative
Company replied
Estate Research contacted me regarding a Beneficiary search. At first I had thought it was a scam but after the 3rd letter I called them. I spoke with a lovely lady who reassured me all was genuine.... See more
Company replied
Company details
- Genealogist
- also in
- Legal Services
Written by the company
Estate Research specialise in tracing next of kin and missing heirs to estates. We work with local authorities, NHS trusts & hospitals and our Private Client department provides a range of legal services to Wills & Probate solicitors.
Contact info
102 Chapel Lane, Wigan, WN34HG, United Kingdom
- 01942826500
- email@estateresearch.co.uk
- www.estateresearch.co.uk
4.6
Excellent
75 reviews
Asks customers to review
This company invites their customers to review, whether positive or negative
Replied to 50% of negative reviews
Typically replies within 48 hours
How this company uses Trustpilot
See how their reviews and ratings are sourced, scored, and moderated.
Reply from Estate Research
Hi Andrew,
Thank you for your 5 star review!
We're glad to hear everything was easy to understand and very detailed.
Thanks again,
Estate Research
The first one was sent on the 6the Estate of Mr tampline company sent the information for us…
The company sent the information for us to reply to which I have done very happy with company
11 March 2026
Reply from Estate Research
Hi Susan,
Thank you for your lovely review.
We are glad to hear you are very happy with our service.
Kind Regards,
Estate Research
Reply from Estate Research
Hi David,
Thank you for your 5 star review!
We're pleased to hear you have found the team very professional and that everything has been handled well with your case.
Best Wishes,
Estate Research
Plain talking
Plain talking, no " jargon", full explanation of process and results.
Always contactable.
19 February 2026
Reply from Estate Research
Hi Roger,
Thank you for your kind review.
We're pleased to hear that you found our explanation of our processes clear and the process easy to understand.
We always aim to keep things straightforward and make sure our beneficiaries feel informed and supported throughout.
Best Wishes,
Estate Research
Not just inheritance but family surprise
Not just inheritance but family surprise. Estate Research uncovered relatives I’d never heard of. Totally unexpected but amazing!
10 October 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Estate Research
Hi Sophie,
Thank you for your lovely review!
We’re really pleased we could help you uncover more than just an inheritance - uncovering new family connections is an incredibly meaningful part of what we do.
Our team takes pride in our thorough genealogical research process, and it’s great to hear you found the experience amazing.
Best Wishes,
Estate Research
DAYLIGHT ROBBERY
DAYLIGHT ROBBERY
Beware using this company.
They send out a contract for you to sign agreeing to pay 20% + VAT of the inheritance amount received, but what they don't tell you is that it is negotiable!!
My sister and I both signed these forms. They had done the search to find us through our late father, and we did inherit some money, but we were both charged the maximum fee.
When I challenged Wesley that it was 1 search that found us and that we should have been charged 1 fee, I was told that the fee could have been negotiated!!
UNBELIEVABLE - take the money THEN tell me that - DISGRACEFUL
30 June 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Estate Research
Hi Deborah,
Thank you for your feedback. We’re sorry to read that you feel disappointed with your experience.
We always aim to be transparent about our fee structure from the outset, we’re really sorry if any aspect of this was unclear. Our fees reflect the time, risk and resources involved in conducting detailed genealogical research and progressing an estate claim.
The opportunity to discuss your concerns directly and review the matter further would be greatly appreciated, please feel free to get in touch so we can go through this with you.
Kind Regards,
Estate Research
Absolutely awful company
Absolutely awful company. 3 years in and still not a sniff of an inheritance. There wont be anything left by the time they've finished. 3 of the beneficiaries have died waiting for this estate to be settled, so that gives them an excuse to start all over again. My mother in law promised her share of her brothers estate to her Grandkids, but she has now died !!!!
13 June 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Estate Research
Hi Julie,
Thank you for your feedback.
We’re very sorry to hear how frustrating and upsetting this situation has been for you and your family.
We fully understand how difficult it can be when an estate takes a considerable amount of time to administer, particularly where beneficiaries are waiting for closure. Delays are often due to legal processes, estate complexities or matters outside of our direct control, but we appreciate that this does not lessen the impact on those involved.
The passing of beneficiaries during what can be a lengthy administration process is always deeply regrettable and can unfortunately introduce further legal steps that must be followed before distribution can take place.
Your concerns are taken seriously, and we would encourage you to contact us directly so the specific circumstances of this estate can be reviewed and addressed in detail.
Kind Regards,
Estate Research
Dreadful company
Dreadful company , never contact you and after 18 months have still
Not completed the family tree so we cannot receive our inheritance . My brother and myself are the only relatives they found but they say they can’t be sure, there may be some in New Zealand . Still
No proof found , they’re just trying to make more money for thrmselves ,
Do your own research if you find an unknown relative has died intestate, you don’t need estate research . Their fees are enormous , 15 % plus vat of the final
Estate!!! And they don’t finish the job .
4 June 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Estate Research
Hi Stephanie,
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re very sorry to hear that you feel disappointed with your experience.
Estate administration and genealogical research can sometimes take longer than anticipated, particularly where there is a possibility of overseas relatives. In those circumstances, we are required to carry out thorough investigations to ensure that all entitled beneficiaries are correctly identified before any distribution can take place. This is a legal safeguard designed to protect the estate and all parties involved.
Our fee structure is agreed in and reflects the time and resources invested in tracing and verifying beneficiaries. We appreciate that delays can be frustrating, especially when you are awaiting an inheritance.
Please feel free to contact us directly so the matter can be looked into fully and addressed appropriately.
Kind Regards,
Estate Research
Completely broke data protection by…
Completely broke data protection by feeding back a private conversation to another family member.
This was when next of kin was being established and who would be in line for inheritance. The person who was dealing with this was hedging his bets and is not to be trusted
13 May 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Estate Research
Hello,
Thank you for your review.
We’re sorry to hear this and are looking into the matter.
Please let us know if you would like to discuss this further.
Best wishes,
Estate Research
I was contacted unexpectedly by a…
I was contacted unexpectedly by a someone from the company and was told I was related to someone I’d never even heard of or knew about! The researchers were amazing and kept me fully informed throughout the process.had a great outcome in the end couldn’t recommend more!
21 November 2024
Unprompted review
Reply from Estate Research
Hi Jen,
Thank you so much for your 5 star review.
We understand how surprising it can be to receive an unexpected call about a family connection you’d never heard of before. We’re so pleased our research team was able to guide you through the process, keep you fully informed, and help bring everything to a positive outcome.
It was a pleasure to support you in uncovering this part of your family history, and we sincerely appreciate your kind recommendation.
Thank you,
Estate Research
Very professional and excellent…
Very professional and excellent service. Couldn't be happier with the outcome.
9 January 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Estate Research
Hi Matthew,
Thank you for your kind review.
We’re delighted to hear that you found our service professional and that you’re pleased with the outcome.
Our team is committed to delivering thorough research and clear communication at every stage, so your feedback is greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Estate Research
Excellent Service
I was contacted out of the blue by Estate Research and was a little sceptical at first, but was quickly put at ease. The service I received was extremely professional and I felt well informed. The whole process did take a while but I understand this is the norm.
15 March 2024
Unprompted review
Reply from Estate Research
Hello,
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience.
We completely understand that being contacted unexpectedly can feel surprising at first, and we’re pleased to hear our team was able to put you at ease and keep you well informed throughout the process.
As you mentioned, genealogical research can take time due to the thorough investigations and legal procedures involved, and we truly appreciate your patience.
Best Wishes,
Estate Research
Leeches, steer clear
I received a letter from these asking me to contact them, which when I did, they informed me that my mother had passed away. They couldn't find one of my brothers, and without my help they wouldn't have been able to track him down. After sending official ID I had a phone call from their rep saying that there was a small estate that would be shared amongst her children and in the case of my deceased brother, his children. Though it wasn't specifically said, it was heavily implied that the estate was waiting and ready to be distributed. I agreed and they sent out a contract authorising them to take a percentage. Which I thought was fair enough as they'd traced me and my other Immediate family. Once they received the signed contract they said it was being passed on to their solicitor. The solicitor did all the work, asset searches, probate applications, collecting monies, liasing with other family members, everything I didn't know had to be done to wind up an estate. The solicitor basically did all the legwork. This took months, and I didn't hear from Estate Research at all during this time. Then, on the day that I received the letter of administration confirming that I was legally the administrator of the estate I received an email with a rudimentary family tree, asking for me to confirm it was correct, which it was. That was all the contact I had with them and they charged around about £2000 for this, plus the £300 they'd originally charged the council for tracing us. I can't call this a scam as they never explicitly said that there was a long legal process before the estate could be distributed, but like I said, it was worded in a way that would make anyone think there'd be a cheque by return post. My advice is that if you are dealing with these, and they contact you to say you're in line for an inheritance, DO NOT sign anything. Do your own research, and apply for probate yourself. If it's complicated, then get in touch with the solicitor they put me on to (Paul Robinson Solicitors LLP), who were excellent, or use your own solicitor. Estate Research are just an introductory service that will charge a hefty percentage just for passing the case along. They disguise their real intentions, which is getting their grubby mitts on a share of what's rightfully yours, behind a next-of-kin tracing service. At the end of this process they made more money out of my mums estate than the solicitor that did all the work. If these were lawyers, they'd be ambulance chasers
18 November 2024
Unprompted review
Reply from Estate Research
Hello,
Thank you for taking the time to share such detailed feedback. We’re sorry to hear that you feel dissatisfied with your experience.
When we make contact, it is because research has identified a potential entitlement to an estate. At that stage, estates are rarely ready for immediate distribution. Where there is no executor or administrator in place, a full legal process must be undertaken before any funds can be released. This can include asset searches, probate or letters of administration applications, and statutory notices - work which is typically carried out by a solicitor once instructed.
Our role is to trace and verify entitled beneficiaries and bring the matter to the point where an estate can be properly administered. Our fee is set out clearly within the agreement before it is signed and reflects that risk, the investigative work undertaken, and the progression of the claim to a successful outcome.
We appreciate that estate matters can feel complex and, at times, unclear, particularly during what is often a sensitive period for families. Your comments are taken seriously, and if you would like the specifics of your case reviewed, we would welcome you to contact us directly so we can address your concerns in detail.
Kind Regards,
Estate Research
Be wary
They contacted me in march 2021.they have constantly been using same ecscuses it's nearly 3 years now.still no further forward on inheritance.first they said it was the council then the dwp holding it up.then they said it had been sorted out said it wouldn,t be long till inheritance was paid out.now the same reasons they previously stated are being repeated.this has been going on for 2years9months.
24 October 2024
Unprompted review
Reply from Estate Research
Hi Avril,
Thank you for your feedback. We’re very sorry to hear how frustrating this situation has been for you.
We understand how difficult it is to wait for progress, particularly when timescales extend beyond expectations Delays in estate matters can arise for a number of reasons, including matters involving local authorities, the Department for Work and Pensions, or other third parties. Unfortunately, these processes are often outside of our direct control and can take considerable time to resolve.
That said, we appreciate that repeated delays are concerning, and clear communication is essential. Your comments are taken seriously, and we would encourage you to contact us directly so we can review the current status of the estate and provide a detailed update on the position.
Kind Regards,
Estate Research
Terrible company been 16 months since…
Terrible company been 16 months since they first contacted me about inheritance every time you call them get told something completely different I understand these things take time but when you call get told different scenarios makes you feel you can't trust them and are very unprofessional.
4 July 2023
Unprompted review
The Trustpilot Experience
Anyone can write a Trustpilot review. People who write reviews have ownership to edit or delete them at any time, and they’ll be displayed as long as an account is active.
We use dedicated people and clever technology to safeguard our platform. Find out how we combat fake reviews.
Learn about Trustpilot’s review process.
Here are 8 tips for writing great reviews.
Verification can help ensure real people are writing the reviews you read on Trustpilot.
Offering incentives for reviews or asking for them selectively can bias the TrustScore, which goes against our guidelines.