If a flat-fee-based probate genealogy firm like HeirPros contacts you, it may be because you’re an heir to an unclaimed estate or have information about a missing beneficiary. To verify the firm’s legitimacy and your potential inheritance, ask questions about their authorization, services, and any required documentation, while ensuring they don’t charge a percentage of your inheritance.
If you’re contacted by a flat-fee-based probate genealogy firm like HeirPros, you could be entitled to some inheritance or have crucial information regarding a missing beneficiary.
These news could be surprising, triggering a major concern about the firm’s legitimacy and the state of the unclaimed inheritance.
Our experts have compiled crucial questions that you should ask to ascertain the facts. The answers help you verify the legitimacy of the heir search firm as well as the nitty-gritty of your unclaimed inheritance.
Why Has The Firm Contacted Me?
Heir search firms only contact you for two main reasons. You could be the missing heir to an unclaimed estate, or you could be having information regarding a missing heir. Legit probate genealogists will not ask you to sign a contract that charges a percentage of your inheritance.
How Do I Tell The Caller Is A Legit Heir Search Firm And Not A Scam?
A legitimate heir search firm will not try to solicit funds or agreements before you get all the details. You should ask them to provide official documentation and contacts to the estate administrator to ascertain the facts. A legitimate company should operate under strict professional conduct and clearly outline its services, headquarters, process, endorsements, and pricing.
Who Hired the Firm?
Flat-fee probate genealogy firms work under the authorization of their clients, including fiduciaries, estate administrators, executors, probate attorneys, and bank and trust officers. Therefore, they will not be asking you to agree to a contract on the settlement of the finder’s fee.
Should I Share Sensitive Family Information?
Probate genealogists may request personal information, sometimes touching on family matters in their endeavor to locate and verify a missing heir. Identifying information and location can help researchers conduct thorough investigation and present a credible report regarding your heirship. It’s worth noting that HeirPros respects your privacy and handles your data confidently.
Why Ask For Copies Of My Personal Documents?
Personal documents such as ID, birth, marriage, and death certificates help legally prove your relationship to the decedent. They serve as crucial evidence during the probate proceedings, where the heir researcher is expected to provide credible reporting backed by supporting documentation.
How Much Is My Inheritance?
Your share of the inheritance will depend on the size of the estate and the number of heirs identified. The probate genealogist contacting you may have a rough estimate of the estate value but may not immediately ascertain what share you will get. However, they can connect you to the estate administrator or executor in charge of the case to give you the case particulars.
Will I lose A Percentage of My Inheritance to Pay for Heir Search Services?
No. HeirPros operates on a fee-for-service model, which only charges the client a flat fee for its heir search services. Besides, you won’t be the one to foot the bills but the client who sought the services, who, in this case, could be the estate administrator, executor, probate attorney, trust officer, or fiduciary. Avoid service providers charging you on a percentage fee basis, especially for large estates.
What If I Have Additional Questions About The Case?
Further questions could be directed to the heir search firm contacting you or the attorney handling the estate. HeirPros experts will provide contact information and location information to help you reach out to all the concerned parties to verify the facts and enhance your understanding.
How Long Will I Wait To Get Updates?
It depends on the complexity of the case. In a case involving several missing heirs, the probate genealogist will first have to locate all before giving the case a nod. Nonetheless, HeirPros experts will keep you informed about any developments regarding the case, including the location of a missing heir, the determination by the probate court, and the final ruling.
What If I Don’t Respond?
Your share of the inheritance could be escheated or spread among other heirs. If you’ve identified and notified as a missing heir to an unclaimed asset, failure to respond could be interpreted as being uninterested in the estate. In this case, the probate process will proceed, and the probate judge could decide to withhold your share of the estate, have it forwarded to the state, or distribute it among other interested heirs.
Do I Need My Own Attorney?
It’s advisable to consult an independent attorney to help you handle your case and address any concerns. Your personal attorney will help you fully understand your rights and the relevant inheritance laws. Moreover, they will guide you on any obligation, such as tax implications.