Heir Search
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OmniTrace - The Heir Search Experts
- Founded in 2001, OmniTrace is a leading provider of probate and genealogy research
- Customized heir searches, personalized service and flat rate fees
- Court acceptable reports and affidavits to satisfy legal requirements
- Global network of researchers to handle all heir search needs
- Free review of each case by licensed researcher
- Clients include banks, attorneys, trustees, executors, real estate investors, financial services firms, public administrators and guardians
Heir Search Levels
We offer Named Heir Searches, Lineal Heir Searches and Tier Level Heir Searches.
Heir Search Investigations
We offer Named Heir Searches, Lineal Heir Searches and Tier Level Heir Searches.
Our Named Heir searches aim to quickly locate any named heir(s), and we will collaborate with you using any information you currently possess.
Our Lineal Heir Searches are focused on finding the decedent’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. If we can’t locate any living lineal heirs, we’ll expand our search to include relatives one generation back. These relatives are called Tier 1 Heirs.
Our Tier 1 Heir Search includes the decedent’s parents, siblings (whole or half-blood), and their children. We can find these heirs based on how the estate would have been divided either “by representation” or “per person.” If we still can’t find any living Tier 1 descendants, we’ll expand our search to relatives one generation back – that’s Tier 2 Heirs.
Our Tier 2 Heir Search is more comprehensive. It includes the decedent’s grandparents and their descendants (aunts, uncles, first cousins, etc., of the whole or half-blood). We’ll conduct two concurrent searches, one for maternal and one for paternal heirs since laws governing the distribution of assets usually cover both. However, we can also narrow the search to just maternal or paternal heirs if that’s what you need. And, if we still can’t find any living Tier 2 descendants, we’ll expand our search to relatives one generation back – that’s Tier 3 Heirs.
Finally, our Tier 3 Heir Search includes great-grandparents and their descendants. While we don’t usually need to go this far back, we’re confident we can find the right heirs no matter how far back we need to research.
We hope this information helps you understand our heir search services better. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to…
Heir Search Consanguinity Chart
A consanguinity chart, also known as a family tree or a genealogical chart, can be a useful tool in locating missing heirs and in probate matters. A consanguinity chart is a visual representation of a person’s family tree, showing the relationships between family members and their degrees of kinship.
In probate matters, a consanguinity chart can help identify potential heirs to an estate or trust. It can also help determine the order of priority for distribution of assets to heirs. By tracing the lineage of a deceased person and identifying their living relatives, a consanguinity chart can provide important information to attorneys, estate administrators, and probate courts.
In cases where an heir cannot be located, a consanguinity chart can be used to identify other relatives who may be entitled to inherit. For example, if a deceased person’s children cannot be located, a consanguinity chart can be used to identify their grandchildren or other descendants.
A consanguinity chart can also be helpful in genealogical research, which is the study of family history and lineage. By mapping out a family tree, researchers can identify missing branches of a family or gaps in the lineage. This can lead to the discovery of previously unknown relatives and can provide valuable insights into a family’s history.
Overall, a consanguinity chart can be an important tool in locating missing heirs and in probate matters. It provides a visual representation of a person’s family tree and can help identify potential heirs and their degrees of kinship. This can be particularly useful in cases where a person has died without a will or without any known living heirs.
Case Studies
- OmniTrace was hired by a Kentucky attorney to locate the heirs of Joan, who died intestate without any known family members. Through extensive research, we discovered that Joan had a half-sibling and four half-siblings from her father's second marriage. Additionally, we were able to locate Joan's maternal aunts, who had sixteen children. Through further research, we located all living heirs, including five cousins and twenty-five first cousins once removed, who were children of Joan's deceased cousins.
- An attorney hired OmniTrace to locate the relatives of Donald, who died intestate without any known siblings or children. With only Donald's birth certificate and a common surname to go on, we conducted extensive research of birth and census records, discovering an enormous family with many cousins. After a monumental research task, we located all sixty-four living heirs, including three cousins, twenty-seven first cousins once removed, thirty-three first cousins twice removed, and one first cousin thrice removed.
- A real estate investor hired OmniTrace to locate the heirs of a property he wanted to purchase. Through our research of census records, we discovered that the property owners were born in the late 1800s and had two children born in the 1920s. While the property owners and their children had passed away, we were able to locate all five living grandchildren of the property owner, providing our client with the information needed to rectify the improperly signed deed.
Success Stories From Our Clients
Since 2001, OmniTrace has helped attorneys, trustees, guardians, and estate professionals locate missing heirs and beneficiaries in probate, trust, and guardianship matters. We also assist with locating individuals for legal notices, class actions, and corporate matters. Known for fast, accurate, and discreet results, OmniTrace is the trusted choice when someone needs to be found.
Frequently Asked Questions
The length of an investigation can vary depending on the scope of the search, but our state-of-the-art capabilities typically allow us to complete searches quickly and thoroughly. Investigations can take anywhere from a few days to several months.
We provide heir search services globally, with a worldwide network of investigators and researchers who are second to none.
Our success rate is unsurpassed, and our client satisfaction rating is nearly 100%.
We offer a range of services, including:
Absolutely! Please contact us for a list of references today.
We handle heir searches with discretion and respect for everyone involved. We limit requests for personal information to what is relevant to the search and approach communications with heirs and family members sensitively.
Some searches remain unresolved despite extensive research. If we cannot locate an heir, we explain our findings, discuss the limitations encountered, and identify any practical next steps. Our research may still provide useful documentation for the attorney or estate representative handling the matter.
Yes. We work with attorneys, trustees, executors, estate administrators, and other professionals to identify and locate heirs and beneficiaries. We tailor the scope of our research and documentation to the needs of each case.
When DNA testing may help establish a family relationship, we can discuss whether testing coordination is appropriate for your case. Any legal requirements concerning testing or the use of results should be addressed with the attorney handling the matter.
OmniTrace conducts heir searches in the United States and internationally. Our network of investigators, genealogists, and researchers helps us trace family connections across borders and navigate differences in languages, records, and research practices.
Yes. Since 2001, OmniTrace has helped clients identify and locate heirs and beneficiaries, including in matters involving probate and estate administration. We assist with searches ranging from locating a named individual to researching extended family lines when heirs are unknown.
We compare information from multiple sources, evaluate discrepancies, and document the evidence supporting our findings. Depending on the case, sources may include vital records, probate files, census records, other public records, and interviews. We distinguish supported findings from leads that require further verification.
We discuss the information needed for your case and how relevant findings will be provided to you or your authorized representative. Before sending Social Security numbers, financial records, or other sensitive documents, please contact us to arrange an appropriate method of sharing them.
We use genealogical research to trace family relationships and identify potential heirs and beneficiaries. If your request concerns personal family history rather than an estate, trust, or related legal matter, please contact us so we can determine whether it falls within the services we provide.
If your case involves an approaching deadline, please let us know when you contact us. We can assess whether an expedited search is feasible and explain the expected timeframe and any additional cost. Timing depends on the complexity of the case and the availability of records.
Please contact us for current payment options. We will explain the payment arrangements and any deposit requirements before work begins.
Yes. We offer a free initial case review to discuss your search, assess the information available, and recommend an appropriate scope of work. We provide a quote before you decide whether to proceed.
OmniTrace uses a variety of resources to locate missing heirs, including:
Yes. We provide research reports and affidavits for use in probate and related legal matters. Please let us know about any specific documentation requirements at the outset so we can coordinate with your attorney. Acceptance of any report or affidavit is determined by the court.
Fees depend on the scope and complexity of the search, including the number of family lines involved, geographic coverage, and documentation required. We offer flat-rate pricing for heir searches and provide a quote based on your case. Any proposed work outside the agreed scope is discussed with you before proceeding.
Yes, we carry $2,000,000 in Professional Liability Insurance against Errors and Omissions. We are proud to say that we have never had a claim.
Looking For An Heir, Lost Patient or Missing Person?
Since 2001, OmniTrace has helped the legal, clinical trial and business communities locate missing people. Known for fast, accurate, and discreet results, OmniTrace is the trusted choice when someone needs to be found.