Blanchards - Ramsgate

Paul C.

My mother was contacted out of the blue by Blanchards following th passing of her sister. I understand that some people may think that its a scam and cause stress. In a lot of cases beneficiaries miss out of inheritance because of being unsure. I can honestly say they are no frauds. Although it can take a few years to sort out. It takes time and they were very professional and understanding. No money was parted from my parents just inheritance. Think twice before putting the phone down on them.

Thank you Blanchards/Athena for helping settle the case 5*****

Christine W.

I was naturally a little suspicious when contacted by Blanchards, although was aware of the job heir hunter firms do as I had watched a series on TV many years ago. After some research, I was satisfied of their credentials, the necessary paperwork was sent to be signed and then it was mostly a waiting game. Probate does take some time, but those involved in the family did have updates. All in all it took 18 months for a seemingly uncomplicated case, so don’t expect a fast completion. Staff were polite and helpful.

Cass D.

Unreliable and Disappointing Experience

When we were first approached we initially felt reassured by Blanchards’ professional manner following the passing of our uncle in December 2023. We had recently experienced several family bereavements and explained that we were facing a complex and sensitive probate process therefore our focus would be with that. We were told things would be simple and swift due to no property to sell, and as conveyed to us immediately there was activity behind the scenes.

However we started to become concerned, when our other probate was moving along at a reasonable speed, with closure insight. This included selling of a property but we hadn't heard from Blanchards.

Unfortunately, Blanchards service deteriorated significantly. Communication became infrequent, updates had to be chased, and promised timelines were missed without explanation.

Most recently, we were given a completion date for the estate accounts—this passed without explanation, and my follow-up email went unanswered when they did finally respond it was to give another date, which was also missed.

They appear to be very good at blaming everyone within their team, sister company but not acknowledging their own incompetence.

Despite being told well over 6 weeks ago we were in the final stage. We still have not received any documentation.

The process has been emotionally draining and unnecessarily difficult. We would not recommend this firm to others dealing with probate matters.
Proceed with caution.

Toni G.

I had an excellent experience with Blanchards and their sister company, Athena.
I would fully recommend this company. The staff were kind, sensitive, knowledgeable and responded in good time to my many, many questions.
In 2023 I got a call out of the blue from Blanchards looking for relatives of my estranged father. I initially thought it could be a scam but for the fact that they knew his name. I am the eldest child of a first marriage and he left before I was even born. He was never spoken about. No-one in my family knows his name.
I decided to proceed because I thought I had nothing to lose and maybe something to gain, even if it might only a few personal possessions. I didn't expect much at all.
The whole process was very smooth, even the process of getting my ID verified. There was an initial outlay (£50) for hiring an independent local solicitor to do this but Blanchards refunded that cost once they received the ID.
They work with their sister company, Athena, who deal with probate matters. I was kept informed by email at each stage of the process, so I had everything in writing.
They dealt with everything so that I didn't have to. All his outstanding debts were paid and after Blanchards and Athena had taken their fee, I received a document detailing the initial value of his estate and everything which had been paid out. I then received the remaining funds from the estate with no further expenses to pay.

Lorraine B.

Well into our third year as a possible recipient. I have offered our direct help with any issues that may be holding up the process. I have sent emails with specific questions I thought might b answered all to no avail. The same worded email arrives in my inbox every six weeks or so. Disappointed really after reading such good reviews.

Matt S.

Blanchards excelled throughout the process, with excellent communication and patience. Particular praise has to be heaped on Paries, the client care officer, who showed true professionalism throughout.

Andy L.

Was pleased with yourselves at first i did admit it was a scam.
I appreciate the updates that i received over time.
Had no complaints VERY SATISFIED.
Regards
Andrew Lovelock

Claire B.

Contact received out of the blue for an estranged relative. We were able to confirm the death via other means so were reasonably happy that it was legitimate. We were sent contracts that laid everything out very clearly including the percentage that would be paid to Blanchards, and at no point before the very end of the process were we asked for any financial information or to make payments.
The process took a LONG time - about two years from the first contact - and we would have been a bit happier with more regular updates on timings rather than having to chase things up, but once everything was finalised and agreed, the payment was made within a couple of days.