Need Help Locating Missing Heirs?
Whether you're an attorney, executor, trustee, or private client, we're here to help. Contact us today to discuss your matter or request a no-obligation quote.
Global Heir Tracing & Probate Genealogy Services
Raven Heir Tracing provides professional heir tracing & probate genealogy services across the United States and Canada, with global research capabilities. We assist legal professionals, executors, trustees, estate administrators, government agencies, organizations, & private clients in identifying heirs, locating missing beneficiaries, verifying family relationships, & conducting complex genealogical research.
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.
Probate, Estate and Trust Services
We identify, locate, and verify heirs and beneficiaries across North America and globally, while also assisting with the retrieval of records and supporting documentation needed for probate, estate administration, and settlement.
Our research also supports property and asset-related matters involving inherited property, title and ownership interests, land, oil and gas rights, mineral rights, intellectual property, copyrights, unclaimed property, lost securities, and unresponsive or difficult-to-locate payees.
What Is The Process?
Initial Assessment: We begin with a no-obligation review of your case to understand the scope of the research required.
Proposal: We provide a clear fee quote and estimated timeframe based on the type and complexity of the search.
Research: Our investigators conduct genealogical and investigative research using public records, historical documents, specialized databases, and other available sources.
Identification & Verification: Potential heirs and beneficiaries are identified, located, and their relationships to the deceased verified through records and supporting evidence.
Heir Contact: Once located and verified, heirs may be contacted directly by our team or their information provided to the client, depending on the scope of the assignment.
Final Report: Clients receive a comprehensive report outlining our research, findings, supporting documentation, and a family tree where applicable.
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.
Our Fees:
$100.00 USD 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.
For smaller estates valued at under $5,000 USD, we offer a reduced flat rate of $175.00 USD, which includes up to 2 hours of research.
Completion times vary depending on case complexity, jurisdiction, record availability, and third-party response times. Complex or multi-jurisdictional matters may take several months to complete.
Applicable taxes, if any, are additional.
