National Association of Estate Planners and Councils

HeirSearch

Significant concerns have been expressed over the years by the legal profession and consumers about the percentage fees, or “contingency fees,” charged by some heir locator firms. Many heir locator firms, or “heir hunters,” may use questionable, high-pressure tactics to obtain excessive percentage fees of inheritances. In order to protect their fees, heir hunters often withhold the name of the deceased, and even the amount of the inheritance, until the heir agrees to sign a contract. This means heirs are asked to sign away an unknown amount, sometimes as much as 50% of their total inheritance. 

HeirSearch research experts work with executors, administrators, trustees, fiduciaries, bank and trust officers, and their counsel to establish kinship for legal purposes. Since 1967, we’ve used forensic genealogy, an analytical research method, to successfully complete tens of thousands of worldwide searches.

Our five-pillar approach ensures reasonable, non-percentage-based fees, authorized search services, a 97% success rate, documented court-ready reports and worldwide service.

NAEPC members can receive a complimentary copy of the HeirSearch Laminated Consanguinity Chart (showing degrees of relationship by blood) by contacting 1-800-663-2255 or visiting HeirSearch.com/free-chart. The Laminated Consanguinity Chart is a great resource to reference when meeting with clients or to use as an educational tool in seminars.

Visit our website at HeirSearch.com for more information.

09/10/19