Family Wise Limited

23/07/2025

Brand new blog out now!

Feeling behind in life? Discover what your ancestors were doing at your age and why your own timeline is just right!

Click the link in the comments to read now!

22/07/2025

Ice Cream Challenge!

Employee Appreciation Day funny moments!

This Employee Appreciation Day, the office was treated to a lovely selection of ice cream!

Who made the best Sundae? Comment down below!

21/07/2025

This week’s spotlight is shining on GeneaGeek ! 💜

They have shared this lovely photograph that may be of brickworkers, but they are wearing smocks similar to those worn by modern agricultural labourers!

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Do you fancy being featured in next week’s Monday Motivation? Just tag our account in your genealogical posts, and we’ll choose and shout out our favourite genealogy content from the past week to give the community a much-needed motivation boost coming away from the weekend!

19/07/2025

A stolen identity hidden for decades, Lori Erica Ruff was actually Kimberly Maria McLean. Genetic genealogy uncovered her true story after years of mystery!

Comment below your favourite history story!

18/07/2025

Millions lost to probate fraud?

Our lovely Managing Director, Kirsty Gray, speaks out in Who Do You Think You Are? Magazine after the government takes down the Bona Vacantia list following a BBC fraud investigation.

👉 Read the full article below.

The UK government has taken down Bona Vacantia, the list of unclaimed estates in England and Wales, after a BBC report into probate fraud

16/07/2025

Not everyone’s got a duke in the family... some of us have pirates, outlaws, or rogue aristocrats.

Could your great-great-great-grandad have been a gunslinger or a highwayman? Time to find out who’s lurking in your tree…

Tap the link in the comments to explore 10 infamous ancestors you might be related to.

14/07/2025

Monday Motivation!

This week’s spotlight is shining on a post by Sarah Curnow Genealogy Research

James Keen was born in 1872. His parents died when he was young, so his grandmother looked after him. When she got too old and sick to care for him, James was sent to a Barnardo’s home at age 14.

He was very weak and had a heart condition, so he stayed in the infirmary for six months. Later, he lived with a foster family and then trained for a job. By 1889, he left Barnardo’s to start working.

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Do you fancy being featured in next week’s Monday Motivation? Just tag our account in your genealogical posts, and we’ll choose and shout out our favourite genealogy content from the past week to give the community a much-needed motivation boost coming away from the weekend!

11/07/2025

Paul's case was local to Calne, and thanks to our People Finding Service, we reunited his personal legacy with his family. From financial affairs to treasured photographs, we ensured nothing was left behind. 💜

What is your favourite case you have worked on?

10/07/2025

Meet the Team

Erin is part of our Case Management Team. She oversees everything from researching cases and managing beneficiaries to preparing legal applications and coordinating with subcontractors.

With a sharp eye for detail, Erin ensures each case runs smoothly from start to finish.

Are you ready to learn about your family history? Contact Family Wise by clicking the link in our bio and get started today!

09/07/2025

On the 7th July, the UK government temporarily pulled the plug on the very tool used to reunite families with lost estates, all because of rising fraud.

Our latest blog breaks down what’s happened, why it matters, and how you can still protect rightful inheritances.

Click the link in the comments to read more!

08/07/2025

BREAKING NEWS: Bona Vacantia List Taken Offline Amid BBC Fraud Investigation

This morning, the official Bona Vacantia list of unclaimed estates was suddenly taken offline following a wave of fraud allegations and ongoing investigative reporting by the BBC into systemic abuse of the probate system.

A notice on the Bona Vacantia website now reads:

"We have temporarily removed the unclaimed estates list from our website. Further details will follow as soon as possible."

This follows BBC reports revealing that vulnerabilities in the probate process may have been exploited, with forged wills used to unlawfully obtain estates and commit tax fraud. In some cases, millions of pounds have allegedly been misappropriated. The BBC is currently investigating this situation, and we have been in touch with them regarding an ongoing matter involving such issues.

We’ll continue to follow this closely and share updates as they unfold. In the meantime, the list is offline, but you can still contact us for any enquiries. As professionals committed to ethical practice and transparency, Family Wise will continue to support efforts to expose wrongdoing and improve safeguards for families and rightful heirs.

08/07/2025

Welcome to Family Wise Limited!

Many people may feel confused or shocked if they are contacted by us, but we are here to ease their minds.

Want to know more about your roots?

Our team of reliable, expert genealogists are ready to assist you in your challenge!