About Us

 

FPAR was founded in 2013 and largely represents the smaller probate research and genealogy companies in the industry; these can also be sole traders or partnerships.

 

Whilst not forfeiting professionalism or standards, the smaller company or independent researcher can often represent great value for money through offering lower commission rates, or hourly rates for family history and genealogical research, due to reduced overheads and the fact that many are not VAT registered. Alongside the advantages of cost, working with a small company or individual can offer a more caring, dedicated and personal service.

 

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MEMBERSHIP CODE OF PRACTICE

 

  • Whilst not compulsory, members of FPAR are expected to use the FPAR logo on websites, stationery etc.

  • Professionalism as a priority when dealing with clients, authorities or organisations.

  • A commitment to efficiency of process; encompassing timescales, finances and communications is vital.

  • ICO (Information Commissioner's Office) registration mandatory.

  • Professional Indemnity Insurance mandatory.

  • Production of clear and precise ‘Plain English’ documentation for clients and other parties.

  • Members are expected to adhere to the basic principles of this Code of Practice and operate a Privacy Policy (see example below).

  • Whilst only one beneficiary’s authority is needed for a Probate Researcher to submit a claim (in GLD cases), the Law of Intestacy requires that all entitled beneficiaries are identified and located where possible. Members will, at all times, attempt to fulfil this basic principle and, where not possible, to ensure that all parties are sufficiently protected against financial or moral challenges.

  • Transparency and clarity in outlining fees and charges.

  • Beneficiaries will never be asked for any money up front.

  • Beneficiaries will never be asked to sign for anything other than their NET share of the estate; they cannot contract for other beneficiaries nor be asked to agree to a commission on the gross value of an estate.

  • Beneficiaries may assist Probate Researchers with family knowledge but will never be asked to pay for additional research.

  • Beneficiaries will only be asked to supply ID in line with the current Government Legal Department’s requirements (for GLD cases).

  • Beneficiaries will always be given the option of appointing their own Administrator in the event of a successful claim.

  • Contracts will always have a 14 day cooling offer period and clearly state how the beneficiary can cancel the agreement and any associated costs.

 

 

PRIVACY POLICY

 

Your personal details will never be sold or passed on to any third party and all aspects of The Data Protection Act 1998 will be endeavoured to be complied with.

 

This Privacy Policy contains an explanation of what happens to the personal data that you choose to provide, or that is collected from you.

 

Use of the Information collected from you

Information collected from you is used for the following purposes:

1) Data is collected from you to meet contractual obligations with you.

2) Data is collected from you to provide you with information relating to product/s or service/s that you have requested.

3) Data is collected from you in order to process or administer the relevant product/s or service/s you have requested.

 

Storing Your Personal Data

All reasonable precautions will be taken to ensure that your data remains secure and is handled in accordance with this Privacy Policy. Data that is provided is stored on secure servers although the transmission of information via the internet is not completely secure and cannot therefore be guaranteed. The security of data sent electronically, and transmission of such, is therefore entirely at your own risk.

 

Disclosing Your Information

No personal information will be disclosed without your written prior authority to do so. However, your personal information may be provided to third parties in the following circumstances:

1) Where we are legally required to disclose your information.

2) To assist fraud reduction and minimise credit risks.

 

Access to Information

The Data Protection Act 1998 gives all individuals the right to access the personal information that is held about them.

 

You can request a copy of any information that we hold about you but please note that any request for information may be subject to payment of £10 to cover administrative costs.