Search Types
Every search situation is different, but no matter how limited the available information may be, our proven history of success means that we’re confident we’ve successfully handled a case like yours before. Our search services are categorized in the following types: Direct Searches, Multiple Searches, Lineal Searches, or Level Searches.
Download Our Consanguinity Chart
DownloadWe identify, locate, prove and report one specific person. The search can be expanded to locate the person’s issue (lineal descendant) or the executor of the estate, if the person to be located is deceased.
We identify, locate, prove and report multiple people related to a specific matter. The search can be expanded to locate a person’s issue (lineal descendant), or identify the executor of an estate, if any or all of the search subjects to be located are deceased.
We identify, locate, prove and report a decedent and their issue (lineal descendant). Does the decedent have living issue? If no living lineal descendants survive, the search may be expanded to relatives one generation back –Level I Heirs.
In a Level I search we identify, locate, prove and report the decedent’s parents, siblings (whole or half blood) and their issue (lineal descendant). Heirs may be located on a per stirpes or per capita basis. For example, an only child would have no Level I heirs. When no such living heirs are identified, our search efforts can expand to a Level II or Level III search. This search would include grandparents, great grandparents and their descendants, as per client instruction.
In a Level II search we identify, locate, prove and report the decedent’s grandparents' descendants. Heirs may be located on a per stirpes or per capita basis.
In a Level III search we identify, locate, prove and report the decedent’s great grandparent's descendants. Heirs may be located on a per stirpes or per capita basis.
Great Great |
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Great Grandparents |
Great Grand |
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Grandparents |
Grand Uncles |
First Cousins |
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Parents |
Uncles & Aunts |
First Cousins |
Second Cousins |
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The Decedent |
Brothers & Sisters |
First Cousins |
Second Cousins |
Third Cousins |
1 Child |
Nephews & Nieces |
First Cousins |
Second Cousins |
Third Cousins |
Grandchildren |
Grand Nephews |
First Cousins |
Second Cousins |
Third Cousins |
Great Grandchildren |
Great Grand |
First Cousins |
Second Cousins |
Third Cousins |
Level I Heirs
This search is comprised of the decedent’s parents, decedent’s siblings (whole or half-blood) and their issue (lineal descendant). Depending on the search requirements, heirs may be located on a per stirpes or per capita basis. If no living Level I descendants can be established, probate law may dictate that a search be expanded to relatives one generation back – Level II Heirs.
Level II Heirs
This search includes the decedent’s grandparents and their descendants (the decedent’s aunts and uncles, first cousins, etc., of the whole or half-blood). Since distribution laws typically provide for maternal and paternal heirs, this search usually involves two concurrent searches, for both maternal and paternal grandparents of the decedent. HeirSearch can also narrow the scope of the search to just maternal or paternal heirs.
Level III Heirs
This includes great grandparents and their descendants. Since the majority of research is completed at the Level II heirs, expanding a search to this level is not common. However, we have the expertise to make a determination of heirs, no matter how far back it is necessary to research.
Great team and very responsive. Thank you.
Naples, FL
Attorney
May 06, 2024
Your team did a fantastic job with the limited amount of information provided. I was shocked at how quickly you were able to find this individual! Your team is always professional, courteous and is always ready to jump in and begin the search. While it is not often, we are unable to find an heir, the service you provide is invaluable. Thank you so much for the opportunity to work with you again. I’m sure there will be more times in the future.
Saint Louis, MO
Trust Officer
May 02, 2024
I really liked that you stayed in touch and kept the process moving forward.
Detroit, MI
Paralegal
Apr 15, 2024
I have utilized the services of HeirSearch on numerous occasions over the years and I have always found it's service to be highly professional, ethical, effective and reasonably priced. I am able to highly recommend HeirSearch to all of my colleagues.
St Petersburg, FL
Attorney
May 02, 2024
Very professional and I would recommend again.
Owego, NY
Public Administrator
Mar 25, 2024
You all did a fabulous job and were so patient with me through all of the delays. We will definitely keep HeirSearch in mind for the future.
Monroe, MI
Guardian Ad Litem
Mar 06, 2024