2026 Probate Heir Search Outcomes Report: How HeirPros Measures Its 98% Success Rate

How often does a professional heir search meet its agreed research objectives?

At HeirPros, 324 of 329 completed heir-search engagements met the research objectives agreed with the client. That is 98.48%, which we conservatively report as 98%.

These figures come from our case-management records. We include unsuccessful and inconclusive completed cases in the calculation. We exclude only cases that were still open or on hold when we counted the results because their final outcomes were not yet known.

This report explains the numbers, the reporting period, how we define a successful outcome, and what the 98% figure does—and does not—mean.

Our goal is to give probate attorneys, estate administrators and fiduciaries a clear account of our research outcomes and the method behind them.

Data counted: November 9, 2026. Last reviewed: November 9, 2026.

Key Findings at a Glance

The figures below were taken from the HeirPros case-management system on November 9, 2026.

The 65 cases not yet completed consisted of 59 open cases and 6 cases on hold.

The 329 completed engagements included in the calculation were opened between July 24, 2024, and October 20, 2026. October 20 was the opening date of the most recent case that had reached completed status when we counted the results. The 65 remaining cases had not reached a final outcome by November 9, 2026.

Of the 329 completed engagements, 324 met their agreed research objectives and 5 did not.

324 ÷ 329 = 98.48%.

We report the figure as 98%, rounding down to a whole number rather than up.

How We Define a Successful Heir Search

A successful outcome at HeirPros means that a completed engagement met the research objectives agreed with the client before work began.

Those objectives vary based on the circumstances of each estate and the scope of the assignment. An engagement may involve:

• Identifying missing heirs or unknown family members.
• Establishing family relationships of potential beneficiaries.
• Tracing descendants of a deceased individual.
• Investigating international family connections.
• Documenting a family line for probate or estate administration.
• Preparing a genealogical report with supporting evidence.

Not every assignment has the same objective. We assess each completed engagement against the specific research objectives agreed at the start.

A successful research outcome does not necessarily mean that every potential heir was found, every person was located, or every person responded. It means the agreed research objectives were met and the completed work supports the conclusions reached.

Our Research Methodology

A success-rate figure is only useful when the method behind it is clear. Here is how we calculated and classified our results.

1. Reporting period and data source

We counted results on November 9, 2026, using HeirPros’ case-management system.

The full set of cases opened during the reporting period runs from July 24, 2024, the first case in our current system, through November 8, 2026. A total of 394 cases had been opened by that date.

The completed-case group used for the success-rate calculation consists of 329 engagements opened from July 24, 2024, through October 20, 2026. October 20 was the opening date of the most recent engagement that had reached completed status when the data was counted.

Cases recorded before the current case-management system are not included.

2. Completed engagements

A total of 329 engagements had reached completed status and were included in the calculation.

We use completed engagements because a case needs a final outcome before we can assess whether its agreed research objectives were met. We did not select a sample or remove difficult completed cases from the group.

3. Engagements that met their objectives

Of the 329 completed engagements, 324 met the research objectives agreed with the client. These cases form the numerator in our calculation.

4. Unsuccessful and inconclusive engagements

Five completed engagements did not meet their agreed research objectives. We count all five as outcomes that did not meet the objectives.

They remain in the denominator and reduce the reported rate. We do not remove difficult cases because the research was challenging or because the final result was not what the client hoped to achieve.

5. Open and on-hold engagements

At the time of counting, 65 cases had not reached a final outcome: 59 were still open and 6 were on hold.

We exclude these cases because their outcomes were not yet known. They will be included in a future calculation once completed, whatever the outcome.

6. Calculation

Our calculation is:

Completed engagements that met their objectives ÷ Total completed engagements × 100

324 ÷ 329 × 100 = 98.48%.

We report this as 98%, rounding down to the nearest whole number.

The Genealogical Proof Standard Behind Our Research

A professional heir search involves more than finding names in a family tree. For probate and estate matters, the evidence supporting each family relationship is important.

HeirPros’ research follows the Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS), published by the Board for Certification of Genealogists. The standard emphasizes five elements:

1. Reasonably exhaustive research: Searching appropriate records and sources to investigate the research question. (See why this matters for estates in our guide to the reasonable search standard.)
2. Complete and accurate source citations: Documenting where the evidence came from so findings can be reviewed.
3. Analysis and correlation: Examining and comparing evidence from different sources.
4. Resolution of conflicting evidence: Addressing differences or contradictions in the available records.
5. Sound written conclusions: Reaching conclusions supported by the available evidence.

Learn more about the Genealogical Proof Standard from the Board for Certification of Genealogists.

For probate professionals, this approach helps distinguish between simply identifying a potential family member and documenting the evidence that supports the relationship.

What Our 98% Success Rate Does Not Mean

We believe it is just as important to explain the limits of this figure as it is to publish the result.

It does not mean we always find every heir. Research depends on the accuracy and availability of historical records. Some family members leave limited records, change their names, move internationally or become difficult to trace. Research can reach a documented conclusion even when no living descendants are identified.

It does not mean every heir is found alive or can be contacted. Identifying and documenting a person is different from locating them or receiving a response. Some individuals may have moved, passed away or chosen not to respond.

It does not mean every report will be accepted by a court. Courts determine what evidence they accept and what additional documentation may be required. Our role is to conduct and document the research. We cannot guarantee a judge’s decision.

It does not mean every engagement is guaranteed to produce the desired result. We do not guarantee that every heir will be found or that every research objective can be achieved. Outcomes depend on the available evidence, records and circumstances of each case.

Our pricing is a flat fee, never a percentage of the estate, and clients are never charged more than the price they approved. See what drives the cost of an heir search.

We believe being clear about these limits makes the reported rate more meaningful. No responsible genealogical research firm can promise to find every heir in every case.

What These Findings Mean for Probate Attorneys

When an estate involves missing heirs, unknown relatives or complicated family relationships, probate professionals need more than a list of names. They need documented research that explains how family relationships were established and identifies the sources supporting those conclusions.

A professional heir search can help attorneys and estate administrators:

• Identify potential heirs and beneficiaries.
• Investigate unknown or previously unlocated family members.
• Establish and document relationships between individuals.
• Trace family lines across generations and countries.
• Obtain genealogical reports with source citations.
• Support probate proceedings with documented research findings.

The results in this report show how often HeirPros’ completed engagements met their agreed research objectives. They are company-reported results based on our own case records. They are not an industry-wide benchmark or a comparison with other heir-search firms. If you are comparing firms, our guide to hiring an heir locator service lists the questions to ask.

Our focus is on producing accurate, thoroughly documented research that helps legal professionals address heirship questions with greater confidence.

How We Will Keep These Numbers Accountable

We intend to keep this report current and maintain a consistent approach to measuring our results.

• Use actual case records: We calculate results from our case-management system rather than estimates or memory.
• Include all completed engagements: Unsuccessful and inconclusive outcomes remain in the calculation.
• Track unfinished cases: Open and on-hold cases are added when they reach a completed outcome, regardless of the result.
• Report changes honestly: If the rate decreases, we will publish the lower figure.
• Update the report: We will periodically recalculate the rate using the same measurement principles.

The goal is not simply to publish a high number. It is to provide a measurement that clients and legal professionals can understand and evaluate.

Questions about the methodology or a specific research assignment? Contact HeirPros.

About HeirPros

HeirPros provides professional heir-search and probate genealogy services to attorneys, estate administrators, fiduciaries and others who need to identify and document family relationships.

Learn what a professional genealogist actually does on a case. Our work includes missing-heir investigations, descendant searches, beneficiary identification, genealogical research reports and supporting documentation.

We combine historical and genealogical research with documented source citations to help clients establish family relationships and address complex heirship questions.

Learn more about our heir-search services or contact HeirPros to discuss a research assignment.