Frequently Asked Questions



What is Heir Research, and how does it work?

Answer Heir Research is the process of locating and verifying the legal heirs of a deceased person. Our team conducts in-depth genealogy research at an hourly rate to identify next-of-kin for various legal matters, including probate, real estate, mineral rights, and more.

Who hires your company?

Answer We are primarily hired by those involved in legal matters where identifying and locating rightful heirs is crucial, such as settling both testate and intestate estates, resolving property disputes, or mineral rights claims. We also work with Public Administrators to resolve their counties genealogic needs on a regular basis.

Why should I hire AncestryProGenealogists for my probate matter?

Answer Our forensic genealogists specialize in finding missing persons, conducting thorough research, and providing comprehensive reports and affidavits to assist attorneys, executors, and administrators in the estate process. With a large base of employees and contractors worldwide, we also bring extensive expertise in building family trees, ensuring that all familial connections are thoroughly explored and documented.

Can you help me find inheritances or assets I might be eligible to inherit?

Answer Our team is not able to locate unclaimed assets or inheritances. We are primarily hired by legal professionals and their clients to locate missing beneficiaries for current proceedings.

How do you find lost beneficiaries?

Answer We leverage our deep genealogical expertise, both online and offline historical and public records, and advanced research methods to trace missing beneficiaries and fill in gaps within family branches.

Are your services applicable to mineral rights and land disputes?

Answer Yes, in addition to research for estates, we offer specialized services for mineral rights and land inheritance cases, helping you establish legal ownership and navigate complex property issues.

Do you assist legal professionals in kinship determination?

Answer Yes, we can provide vital support to legal professionals by verifying lineages and offering expert testimony in court proceedings.

What does the research process look like?

Answer We begin with a conversation with the client (or their legal representative) to determine if our services would be a good fit for their needs. We provide an estimate of the number of hours the research may take, which considers the size and complexity of the family tree, along with the deliverable needs. After agreements and payment are received, our researchers use both online and offline records to connect the locate the subject’s next-of-kin.

In what areas of the world can you conduct research?

Answer Our team at AncestryProGenealogists includes employees and contractors with extensive experience in building family trees and locating living persons worldwide. We have conducted research in diverse regions across the globe, leveraging our network of experts and access to international records.

How long does a typical research session for heir research take?

Answer The duration of a research session varies widely based on factors such as the size of the family, the complexity of the research, the time needed for record repositories to process requests, and the type of deliverables required (e.g., research report, affidavit, expert testimony preparation). Sessions can range from a few hours to several weeks to ensure comprehensive tracing and verification of family connections.

How can I request your services for my research project?

Answer To request our services or discuss your specific case, you can contact us by email, phone, or by completing an inquiry through our website, and we will promptly respond to your inquiry. We look forward to assisting you with your heir research needs.






Heir Research
Interest Form

Submit Your Legal Project
Details and We Will Contact
You with a Quote.







To speak with a U.S. based associate about your research request, call 1-800-596-3230