From Egypt to Closure: Solving an “Impossible” Beneficiary Search

The Challenge: A Trustee’s Search That Seemed Impossible

When a sole trustee needed to locate a remainder beneficiary believed to be living in Egypt, the task appeared nearly impossible. Faced with limited information and no clear path forward, the trustee turned to HeirSearch—the experts in locating missing or unknown heirs.

The Starting Point: Sparse and International Clues

To begin the search, the trustee provided us with the following documents and information:

• The beneficiary was Egyptian, with a last known address in Egypt.
• Her son was believed to be living in the U.S., but letters sent to his last known address were returned as undeliverable, with no forwarding address.
• Copies of the death certificates for the subject’s brother and nephew.
• A copy of the Revocable Living Trust of the decedent, who was the subject’s sister-in-law.

Our Strategy: Exhaustive Domestic and International Research

Using this initial information, our team launched a multi-pronged investigation. We tapped into vital records, court records, genealogy databases, and other authoritative sources. Simultaneously, we searched for the subject and her immediate family on social media, locating potential profiles for the subject, her spouse, brother, and son. Although we sent direct messages to all of them, none responded.

One social media profile suggested that the subject had been employed by a university in the same city as her last known address. We searched the university’s staff directories and followed up with the university administration by email, but again, no record or reply was received.

In parallel, we used commercial and public U.S. databases to investigate whether the subject’s son was still living in the country. Unfortunately, we found no definitive evidence of his presence.

Going Further: Expanding the Search Beyond Conventional Means

We mailed a letter to the subject’s last known address in Egypt, hoping to make contact or receive a forwarding address. We also reached out by phone to a former foreign exchange student who had once lived with the decedent. Although we left a voicemail, we received no response.

In a further effort to find local connections, we researched mosques near the subject’s last known residence, anticipating that local Imams might be familiar with her. Two mosques were identified, but neither had contact information available online.

The Breakthrough: A Civil Records Search in Egypt

With conventional avenues exhausted, we conducted a civil status search in the Egyptian city corresponding to the subject’s last known location. This critical step revealed that the subject had passed away three years earlier.

Armed with this new information, we turned to Egyptian public and commercial records databases. Our efforts paid off—we successfully identified and verified the current address, phone number, and email of the subject’s son.

After reaching out, we received confirmation directly from him. He verified his identity as the subject’s son and expressed his willingness to communicate with the trustee about the trust proceedings.

The Outcome: Mission Accomplished, Client Delighted

The trustee was thrilled with the outcome and offered this glowing feedback:

“Fantastic experience with HeirSearch! Their team was incredibly professional and efficient. I was able to locate a remainder beneficiary all the way in Egypt—something I thought would be nearly impossible. Highly recommend their services for any complex heir tracing needs!”

Why It Matters: Expertise, Tools, and Tenacity

This case serves as a powerful example of why hiring HeirSearch makes all the difference. Our team combines expert research techniques with access to international tools, databases, and networks that most attorneys and trustees do not possess. Whether the challenge spans states or continents, we deliver results where others cannot.

If you are a trust or estate professional facing a complex or seemingly impossible heir or beneficiary search, trust the professionals who go beyond the expected—trust HeirSearch. Our researchers and international resources identify and locate missing or unknown beneficiaries, and we do so efficiently. We work exclusively with executors, administrators, trustees, fiduciaries, bank and trust officers, and their counsel to establish kinship for legal purposes.

We offer no-cost, no-obligation consultations, even if you are not planning to start a search right away. Feel free to reach out with any questions you might have — we look forward to connecting!

Contact us today or request a quote.

Phone: +1 (800)-663-2255

Disclaimer: Although accurate in scope, all identifying information such as names, dates and locations have been changed in order to protect the privacy of individuals.
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