Beneficiary Tracing vs Probate Genealogy: What Are the Differences?

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This article outlines the differences between beneficiary tracing and probate genealogy, and clarifies when each is needed in estate administration.

Beneficiary tracing locates known individuals, while probate genealogy determines who the beneficiaries are.

Solicitors and estate administrators are usually familiar with both beneficiary tracing and probate genealogy. However, in practice the distinction can become unclear, especially in intestate, complex, or cross-border estates. Knowing when to use each approach is essential for managing risk, meeting evidential requirements, and limiting executor liability.

Both services involve locating individuals connected to an estate, but they serve different purposes and are used at different stages of the administration process.

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Beneficiary tracing is used to locate known beneficiaries who cannot be contacted.

In these cases, the beneficiary’s identity and entitlement are already established, often through a will or confirmed family relationship, but their current whereabouts are unknown. Tracing focuses on locating the individual and verifying their identity so distribution can proceed.

Beneficiary tracing is commonly required where:

• A named beneficiary cannot be contacted
• Contact details are outdated or incomplete
• A beneficiary has emigrated or relocated
• Executors need confirmation of identity before making payment

In straightforward estates where entitlement is clear, beneficiary tracing is often sufficient to proceed.

Probate genealogy is a formal investigation used when beneficiaries are unknown, uncertain, or unconfirmed.

This process goes beyond locating individuals. It reconstructs family lines, establishes entitlement under intestacy rules or unclear testamentary provisions, and provides documentary evidence to support distribution decisions.

Probate genealogy is typically required where:

• An estate is intestate and beneficiaries are not immediately known
• Family relationships are incomplete, unclear, or disputed
• There are gaps in family history affecting entitlement
• Executors require evidential certainty to mitigate liability risk

In these cases, the main issue is not the location of beneficiaries, but establishing who is legally entitled to the estate.

When Tracing Is Not Enough

A common issue arises where tracing is used in situations that actually require genealogical evidence.

In intestate estates, simply locating individuals believed to be relatives is rarely enough. Executors must demonstrate that the correct beneficiaries have been identified in accordance with intestacy rules. Without genealogical verification, there is a risk of incorrect distribution and future claims.

Probate genealogy is often commissioned as a preventative measure, not only when disputes arise.

Common Misconceptions

“Beneficiary tracing and probate genealogy are the same”
While both involve locating people, beneficiary tracing focuses on location, while probate genealogy is evidential and investigative.

“Genealogy is only needed if there is a dispute”
In practice, probate genealogy is often used to reduce risk before distribution, especially in intestate estates or where family structures are complex.

“Tracing is sufficient for intestacy cases”
Tracing may identify potential relatives, but without genealogical proof of entitlement, it may not adequately protect executors.

Beneficiary tracing and probate genealogy have distinct roles in estate administration. Tracing locates known beneficiaries, while probate genealogy establishes entitlement when beneficiaries are unknown or uncertain. Recognising the difference supports informed decision-making, effective risk management, and proper estate administration.