Finders International was established in 1997 and our roots in the probate research industry reach back to 1964.

Our global reach, exceptional results and quality of service are well known to our numerous regular clients.

We have offices in Sydney, the UK and Ireland and a full International network and are regulated by the International Association of Professional Probate Researchers, the first and only international association for the probate genealogy industry, representing the cream of worldwide probate research, forensic genealogy, unclaimed asset reunification and estate research firms. Members are vetted and approved and adhere to codes of conduct and ethics.


As a result of research to find missing heirs, unknown beneficiaries, or beneficiaries to unclaimed assets. Usually, our contact will have occurred because we believe you may be a beneficiary to an estate or assets or may be able to assist us with our enquiries.

Unclaimed assets can be lost bank accounts, investments, shareholdings, and insurance policies that have been declared as dormant.

I HAVE BEEN CONTACTED

Did you know?

  •  Finders International have been conducting research in Australia since 1997.
  • In 2020 Finders International located on average ONE BENEFICIARY IN AUSTRALIA EVERY SINGLE DAY, and over 10,000 BENEFICIARIES ACROSS THE WORLD.
  • Studies estimate that “nearly half” of people in Australia die without a Will.
  •  Australia has the 53rd largest population in the world and the 4th highest life expectancy (81.2 years).
  • One person arrives to live in Australia every 56 seconds, while one person leaves Australia every 1 minute and 53 seconds.
  • In 2016, 56% of Australians were of British and Irish descent.

" About 2.6 billion people in developing countries face di culties accessing electricity, while about 800 million lack access to water. In many African countries, these infrastructure constraints reduce productivity by 40%. "

— Carlton Sparks, Executive Officer

Tracing a missing heir or beneficiary requires specialised genealogy research. Finders International are a multi-award winning, tried and trusted firm.

We have located beneficiaries in over 60 countries worldwide in recent years.

Our successes in tracing missing beneficiaries and heirs were documented in a 12 season TV series entitled “Heir Hunters“, which has been shown extensively worldwide.

We are known as spokespersons for our industry and are always happy to speak to the media about our work while maintaining strict client confidentiality.

Countries covered

Finders are regulated by The International Association of Professional Probate Researchers (IAPPR) – providing voluntary regulations across a global network of firms with the aim of promoting professional and ethical standards.

We are known as the UK’s spokespersons for the probate research and forensic genealogy industry and often work with the media, including; The BBC, Forbes Magazine, The Guardian, MirrorITV News and many more.

We will never ask you for bank details, or upfront payment, and can only receive fees when you receive your money.

Finders international have an impressive array of accreditations and credentials.


Finders International work with solicitors, lawyers, trust and estate administration companies as well as research companies, and authorities from around the world.

If you wish to speak to a local lawyer who can independently verify the credentials of Finders International, please contact your case manager.

Contact us for support, media, or general enquiries.

PLEASE NOTE WE DO NOT

  • INVESTIGATE RUMOURS OF FUNDS OR ESTATES DUE TO AN INDIVIDUAL OR FAMILY FROM OVER 10 YEARS AGO.
  • SEARCH SPECULATIVELY TO SEE IF A PERSON IS DUE ANY MONEY WITHOUT GOOD REASON AND EVIDENCE

Any of the following must apply in order for us to be able to assist

  • A very likely inheritance from a recent death should be due to you or your family and you have specific information on this.
  • You have been contacted by an heir hunter, solicitor, public or state trustee
  • You are a solicitor, corporation, local authority or public or state trustee needing assistance with a case
  • You know of a recent death where the next of kin are unknown
  • You know of an unclaimed fund, asset, empty property or dormant account but do not know who the beneficiaries might be, or where the beneficiaries are now located