Our experienced team of researchers offer a collective wealth of expertise which, matched with our dedicated approach to our work, means we are able to successfully resolve hundreds of cases every year. We pride ourselves on maintaining friendly working relationships, whilst delivering a quality of service that is unmatched.
Hoopers has become the preferred choice of probate genealogists for many Local Authorities, NHS Trusts and other divisions of the public sector.
The public sector as a whole has faced significant cutbacks in recent years which have been compounded by the difficulties caused by the Coronavirus pandemic in 2020. Hoopers has gained a reputation as a valued and reliable source of assistance due to our prompt and efficient response to referrals and enquiries, the thoroughness and accuracy of our research, and our sensitive and courteous approach to both our referral sources and members of the public.
Deputyships and the Court of Protection
As life expectancy increases, more people lack capacity to deal with their legal and financial affairs - in such cases a Deputy is normally appointed by the Court of Protection. Sometimes a Family Tree is required if the Deputy needs to make an application for a Statutory Will.
The benefit of experience
Hoopers work with many such Deputies in both the private and public sector who value the efficient and discreet service we offer. Typically, a Deputy may not wish us to contact family members in such instances, and Hoopers are experienced at working within these constraints.
Trusted by the experts
Hoopers work with numerous Deputies and members of Solicitors For The Elderly (SFE) and we take a great deal of pride in helping them manage the affairs of vulnerable people. We assisted solicitors with a high number of emergency applications when the courts were prioritising these matters during the Coronavirus lockdown.
In the last 98 years we've overcome almost every challenge that probate work can present, so we have a good appreciation of the issues that you may be facing.
Whatever the problem, we’re happy to offer free, no obligation consultations.
Quality assurance and procurement
Hoopers has achieved ISO 9001 Certification for Quality Management and ISO 27001 Certification for Information Security Management.
As we approach our centenary, we are able to offer the public sector a wealth of experience and expertise in family research and locating next of kin. We can reassure our referral sources of our considerate and respectful treatment of all family members we contact.
We only make direct contact with the next of kin when there is an intestate estate to be settled. The very nature of our work means our initial contact with a potential heir is frequently unexpected; the first reactions of a family member can vary from confusion and suspicion to fascination and excitement.
All Hoopers employees who engage directly with the public are highly trained and have been Enhanced DBS approved. Every member of staff is salaried and does not receive any additional commission-based incentives.
Our code of conduct is very simple: to treat family members with the utmost respect and care. When faced with breaking potentially distressing news about a deceased relative, we will whenever possible make the effort to do so in person.
When we have reason to believe an entitled person may be in some way vulnerable, we will always take steps to establish contact through other family members instead of making a direct approach.
Similarly, in the event of an heir not having capability, we will identify any and all persons legally empowered to deal with their affairs, whether they be lawful attorneys, deputies or legal personal representatives.
All beneficiaries or their representatives are fully and clearly advised of the nature of our business and the service we offer them. We always point out that they have the option of seeking independent legal advice before proceeding.
Data Protection and GDPR
All personal data provided will be held securely and in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation as of May 2018. Personal data will only be used for the purpose of fulfilling the requested service or instruction.
Hoopers will not divulge any personal contact details concerning individuals we have traced in connection with an intestacy to any other party. The only exception would be the solicitors instructed to deal with the estate administration, as we are required to provide them with all relevant information to enable them to distribute the estate funds.