• Family History Research
• Other Speciality

Professional Overview – Philip Andrew Jennings, LLB (Hons) (Open)

Senior Forensic Genealogist & Director, Bond Lane Research Ltd

I am a professional forensic genealogist with over 15 years of experience specialising in intestate estate research, kinship verification, and heir location across England and Wales. I currently serve as the Senior Forensic Genealogist and Director of Bond Lane Research Ltd, a dedicated probate and genealogical research firm providing comprehensive support to solicitors, public authorities, and estate administrators.

My background includes an LLB (Hons) obtained through the Open University, which underpins my detailed understanding of succession law, evidentiary standards, and professional compliance. Since transitioning from a long career in technical engineering, I have developed extensive practical expertise in identifying, tracing, and verifying potential heirs, particularly in complex estates involving multiple generations, estranged families, adoption, and international family lines.

At Bond Lane Research Ltd, we specialise in:

• Full genealogical reconstruction for intestate estates

• Identification and verification of all entitled heirs, including half-blood, maternal/paternal, and extended lines

• Comprehensive research using certificates, registers, archives, international civil records, online databases, and proprietary tracing tools

• Preparation of detailed kinship reports, evidential charts, and estate distribution schedules

• Liaison with solicitors, local authorities, coroners, and insurance partners

• Managing beneficiary communications with clarity, confidentiality, and professionalism

• Supporting legal administrators by providing the research required to progress estate administration and unlock distributions

Over the course of my practice, I have been instructed on hundreds of estates, including high-value and highly complex matters containing large heir cohorts. My approach is meticulous, evidence-led, and grounded in legal and ethical standards. I work closely with Curtis Legal and other probate professionals to ensure that estates are administered efficiently and that rightful beneficiaries are identified and engaged throughout the process.

I am committed to professional transparency, accurate genealogical methodology, continuous development, and the promotion of ethical standards in heir research and probate genealogy.

As a disabled professional supported by my wife, Cynthia, who assists with administrative functions, I bring a strong personal commitment to diligence, fairness, and accessible communication in all client and beneficiary engagements.

I seek membership in the Association of Professional Genealogists to demonstrate my ongoing dedication to professional excellence, ethical practice, and continued advancement within the field of forensic and probate genealogy.

• 21st Century
• 20th Century
• 19th Century
• 18th Century
• 17th Century
• 16th Century and Earlier