Identify and locate next-of-kin for estate and other legal matters
We specialize in genealogical research to find missing or unknown beneficiaries or heirs in cases involving estates, land rights, mineral rights, gas rights, and other related legal issues.

To speak with a U.S.-based associate about your research request, call 1-800-596-3230
What do I receive at the end of my project?
Our deliverables adapt based on the type of case, jurisdiction, and unique requirements of each client, ensuring tailored deliverables that meet specific heir research needs.
Sworn affidavit or report outlining the research conducted and genealogic conclusions.
Genealogical documents which support the conclusions in the report or affidavit.
Family charts illustrating the familial relationships.
Expert testimony provided on a case-by-case basis.
Our Heir Research Leads
Kaitlin Vaughan
With a bachelor’s degree in Photography and Film and a master’s degree in...

Alicia Palmer
Alicia Palmer has worked in the genealogy industry for her entire professional career...

Cari Taplin
Cari A. Taplin has been a genealogist since 2000 when she was...

Claire Egginton
Claire was born and raised in Ireland and is based in our Dublin,...

Debra Carter
Debra Carter has long held a passion for genealogy, and developed her...

Eva Goodwin
Eva Goodwin grew up in Upstate New York and is a graduate of Mount...

Gary Horlacher
Gary has been doing genealogy since 1979. He was accredited in Danish...

Janette Silverman
Janette began her genealogical journey more than 35 years ago as...

Kaitlin Vaughan
With a bachelor’s degree in Photography and Film and a master’s...

Kelly Bodami
Kelly Barbano-Bodami is a professional Italian genealogist,...

Kirsty Wilkinson
Kirsty grew up in Worcestershire, England, and first became...

Kory L. Meyerink
Kory began his career in genealogy as a record searcher while...

Lucianna Ravasio
My name is Lucianna Ravasio. Though originally from Ohio, I have...

Marek Koblański
Marek A. Koblański was born and raised in Poland. He pursued his...

Marie Thatcher
Marie comes to ProGenealogists from the heir research field, having...

Michael Miller
Michael has a master's degree in history from California State...

Quentin Burrows
Quentin is an Accredited Genealogist ® specializing in Irish research...

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I hired Ancestry ProGenealogists to search for heirs related to an Estate in Richmond County, NY. They were knowledgeable about the local rules of both the Court jurisdiction and locations to search and provided me with detailed, and useful results. I was extremely satisfied with the end product and professionalism of their representatives. I highly recommend their service to my fellow Estate Attorneys and colleagues.
—Jonathan M., New York Attorney
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Our firm used the Heir Research team at ProGen for the most complicated cases, where our clients did not have any information about the heirs of a deceased person. ProGen was able to locate the heirs, provide supporting documentation for heir lineage and predeceased heirs and prepare an Affidavit of Heirship and Due Diligence that was always approved and accepted by Surrogate's Courts. I cannot thank ProGen enough for their great partnership, professionalism and excellent work. I wholeheartedly recommend Ancestry ProGen's Heir Research team and will definitely use their services in the future.
—Kira P., New York Estate Matter
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I highly recommend Ancestry's Heir Research. Among many matters that they have researched for me was a very complex family tree. I was periodically updated as to the status of their research, culminating in a report that was complete, easy to understand and accepted by the Surrogate's Court. Ancestry's staff are very friendly and knowledgeable and prompt with their research - a special thanks goes to Kaitlin.
—Neil H., New York Attorney
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I am a trusts and estates attorney in New York City. Kaitlin was excellent to work with. She was available and accessible, kept me in the loop, and conducted valuable genealogical research. I hope to be her client many times in the future.
—Patrice J., New York Attorney
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Let me take this opportunity to thank you, once again, for all the thorough research that you were able to conduct in gathering much needed information on both the maternal and paternal sides of my late cousin's family. I received the package from [the attorney] this week, which included copies of the results from your outstanding work. This has been quite an experience for me. After spending much of my life, without knowing so much of my family's history, I'm just starting to get answers to some of the questions that I've had for years.
—Darin F., New York Estate Mater
Tell us why you want to hire a professional genealogist. No one knows your family better than you, and our partnership begins with you telling us what you know and want to discover.
Our genealogy research services are customized to meet your specific needs, and each project is priced individually after you speak with a specialist.
Once we understand your goals and you purchase a project, we will review the information you've already gathered, create a research plan, and conduct research to expand your family tree.