Probate Genealogy Services / Heir Hunting / Heir Tracing
Raven Research & Investigations offers specialized probate genealogy services across Canada and the USA. As experienced private investigators and forensic genealogists, we serve as dedicated heir hunters, assisting individuals, legal professionals, and estate administrators in locating missing heirs and beneficiaries.
What is Probate Genealogy?
Probate genealogy, also known as forensic genealogy or heir hunting, involves tracing and identifying heirs and beneficiaries entitled to inherit assets from an estate. When a person passes away without a will or known heirs, or if heirs are difficult to locate, probate genealogy services are essential to ensure rightful distribution of assets.
Estate and Trust Services:
Utilizing our expertise, we trace and verify heirs or beneficiaries across North America.
Notice Assistance:
We aid clients in meeting their fiduciary duties by locating current contact details or search findings for notifying heirs of estate or trust matters.
Property Investigation:
We trace and confirm heirs in property-related affairs, covering title actions, ownership, and various rights, including land, oil, gas, mineral rights, intellectual property, copyrights, unclaimed property, lost securities, and unresponsive payees.
What is The Process?
Initial Assessment: The process begins with an no obligation assessment of the case.
Proposal: We provide a no-cost, no-obligation fee quotation and an estimated timeframe to conduct the research based on the search type requested.
Research and Documentation: Once the proposal is accepted, the case is assigned to an genealogical investigator. Through genealogical research to trace family lineages and identify potential heirs is then conducted. This involves gathering information from various sources, including birth and death records, marriage certificates, census data, property records, and other historical documents.
Identification of Potential Heirs: Based on the research findings, potential heirs are identified. These individuals may include distant relatives, such as cousins, nieces, nephews, or even individuals with no direct familial relationship who may have a claim to the estate under intestacy laws.
Verification and Validation: Once potential heirs are identified, their relationships to the deceased are verified through further documentation and evidence. This may involve contacting living relatives, obtaining DNA tests etc. We use various methods to locate missing heirs and/or beneficiaries, including online databases, public records searches, social media, and traditional investigative techniques such as surveillance and interviews.
Contacting Heirs: Once missing heirs are located and their claims are validated, they are contacted by us, or we supply the information to our client. I They are informed of their potential inheritance and provided with guidance on the necessary steps to claim their share of the estate.
Final Report: We supply a comprehensive report of our findings, the work we conducted, as well as a detailed family tree based on the search type requested.
Reasonable Non-Percentage-Based Fees
Our fees are quoted in advance & determined by an hourly rate and the time estimated to complete based on the type of search and your requirements – not as a percentage of the trust or estate.
Consider an estate valued at $100,000. If it takes 10 hours to locate the estate’s heirs, an heir hunter charging 20% of the estate’s total value would cost $20,000. In contrast, an hourly agency charging between $100 and $150 an hour for the same search would cost $1,000 to $1,500, saving the estate’s heirs $18,500 to $18,000 for the same amount of work.
Our Fees:
$120.00+tax per hour, with a minimum of 3 hours charged.
Within the first 3 hours, we expect to determine the likelihood of success. If we have concerns about the feasibility of success, we notify the client before proceeding with further research. The average case takes between 5-15 hours to complete.
For smaller estates valued at under $1,500.00, we offer a reduced flat rate of $200.00+hst, which includes up to 2 hours of research.
* This service can be expected to take 1-6 months to complete.
Research Types
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Direct Search
We identify, locate, prove and report one specific person.
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Lineal Search
Children
Grandchildren
Great Grandchilren.
If no lineal descendant Is located we will attempt to find a Level I Heir
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Level I Search
Parents
Brothers & Sisters
Nephews & Nieces
Grand Nephews & Nieces
Great Grand Nephews & Nieces
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Level II Search
Grandparents
Uncles & Aunts
First Cousins
First Cousins 1 x Removed
First Cousins 2 x Removed
First Cousins 3 x Removed
Maternal and/or Paternal seacrches
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Level III Search
Great Grandparents
Grand Uncles & Aunts
First Cousins 1x Remove
Second Cousins
Second Cousins 1x Removed
Second Cousins 2x Removed
Second Cousins 3x Removed
Do You Have A Will?
Facts About Intestacy and the Importance of Having a Will
Definition of Intestacy:
Intestacy occurs when a person dies without a valid will. In such cases, the distribution of their estate is governed by the laws of intestacy in their jurisdiction.
Default Rules:
Intestacy laws vary by jurisdiction but generally follow a default set of rules that prioritize close family members like spouses, children, and parents. More distant relatives may inherit only if no closer relatives are available.
No Control Over Distribution:
Without a will, you have no control over how your assets are distributed. The intestacy laws dictate who inherits and in what proportions, which may not align with your wishes.
Potential for Family Disputes:
Intestacy can lead to disputes among family members, especially if the default distribution does not meet the expectations or needs of the heirs. This can result in costly and time-consuming legal battles.
Impact on Unmarried Partners:
In many jurisdictions, unmarried partners (including long-term cohabiting partners) are not recognized under intestacy laws. This means they may receive nothing from the estate unless a will explicitly provides for them.
Guardianship of Minor Children:
If you have minor children, dying without a will means you lose the ability to name a guardian for them. The court will appoint a guardian based on what it determines to be in the child's best interest, which might not align with your preferences.
Estate Administration Delays:
The process of administering an intestate estate can be more complex and time-consuming than when a will is in place. This can delay the distribution of assets and create additional stress for your loved ones.
Higher Costs:
Administering an intestate estate often incurs higher legal and administrative costs, reducing the overall value of the estate that is ultimately distributed to heirs.
How Having a Will Can Avoid Issues
Control Over Asset Distribution:
A will allows you to specify exactly how you want your assets distributed, ensuring your estate is divided according to your wishes rather than default legal rules.
Reducing Family Disputes:
Clear instructions in a will can help prevent misunderstandings and disputes among family members, providing clarity and reducing potential conflicts.
Provision for Unmarried Partners:
You can ensure that an unmarried partner, friends, or other non-relatives are provided for in your will, which intestacy laws would not recognize.
Guardianship of Children:
A will allows you to appoint a guardian for your minor children, ensuring they are cared for by someone you trust and in accordance with your wishes.
Simplified Estate Administration:
A well-drafted will can streamline the probate process, making it easier and faster for your executor to administer your estate and distribute assets.
Cost Savings:
By clearly outlining your wishes, a will can reduce legal fees and administrative costs associated with settling your estate, leaving more for your heirs.
Charitable Contributions:
A will allows you to make charitable bequests, supporting causes and organizations that are important to you, which intestacy laws would not accommodate.
Having a will is a crucial step in estate planning that ensures your wishes are respected, provides for loved ones, and can significantly reduce the legal and financial burdens on your family.
Estate Planning Resources
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Journals Written By Jody Maffett
It's Been Nice. But Now I'm Dead. (Or perhaps just really, really sick.)
Important things my loved ones should know. Wishes, instructions and notes about my life.
Connecting You with Local Legal Experts for Your Specific Needs.
Below, you'll find a selection of lawyers specializing in family law and estates, each offering a complimentary consultation.
Family Law & Estate Planning
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Lawyer: Laura Abitbol
Phone: 613.255.0186
Company: Laura M. Abitbol Barrister & Solicitor
Practice: Family Law and Estate Planning
Service Area: Ottawa
USA
Disclaimer: We do not receive any compensation for your contact or retention of any of the listed lawyers. However, links marked with an asterisk (*) are affiliate links, meaning we may receive a commission if you make a purchase through these links.