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Understanding Heir Search Types

Every heir search situation is different, but no matter how limited the available information may be, our proven track record of success means we’re well-equipped to solve cases across the full spectrum of depth and complexity.

Consanguinity Chart

What is Consanguinity?

In forensic genealogy, consanguinity refers to how closely individuals are related by blood. At HeirSearch, we use it to determine legal next of kin, prioritize heirs, and assess potential conflicts of interest. Following levels of consanguinity ensure we help you meet your fiduciary and regulatory obligations by showing the court exactly who is entitled, and on what degree of relationship that entitlement is based. It also creates a defensible audit trail if an heir is challenged or omitted, supporting prudent, well-documented decisions in complex trust and estate matters.

Direct

We 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
Grandparents
Great Grandparents
Great Grand
Uncles & Aunts
Grandparents
Grand Uncles
& Aunts
First Cousins
2x Removed
Parents
Uncles & Aunts
First Cousins
1x Removed
Second Cousins
1x Removed
The Decedent
Brothers & Sisters
First Cousins
Second Cousins
Third Cousins
1 Child
Nephews & Nieces
First Cousins
1x Removed
Second Cousins
1x Removed
Third Cousins
1x Removed
Grandchildren
Grand Nephews
& Nieces
First Cousins
2x Removed
Second Cousins
2x Removed
Third Cousins
2x Removed
Great Grandchildren
Great Grand
Nephews & Nieces
First Cousins
3x Removed
Second Cousins
3x Removed
Third Cousins
3x Removed

WHAT WE DO

Our Search Expertise

Our Researchers and Account Managers are dedicated to ensuring you have the legal documents and testimony you need to prove heirship to the courts. Delivered on time and within budget.

Our search service expertise includes:

  • Vital Record Searches and obtaining records to prove heirship
  • Locating witnesses to wills
  • Verification and/or completion of other third-party genealogical research
  • Tight timeline and budget management for court-appointed administrators
  • Expert witness testimony and proving heirship to the court
  • Family tree reconstruction and validation
  • Court-accepted affidavits and due diligence reporting
  • Affidavit or declaration of heirship – Learn More
  • DNA kinship verification – Learn More
  • Multilingual Research Staff

Contact Us for a Quote

Looking for A Better Way to find missing heirs? Get in touch with us today and we will provide a free quote based on the scope of your search.

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