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 communication and service overall
Sonoma, CA
Attorney
Sep 16, 2021
HeirSearch was very easy to work with and very accommodating with what we needed.
McDonough, GA
Legal Assistant
Sep 08, 2021
I am so pleased with HeirSearch's timely and regular communication with me on this difficult research project. The dedication of your staff to accurately document each and every individual was amazing.
Baton Rouge, LA
Executive Director
Aug 16, 2021
We believed that the person we thought was in Japan would not be located. We were pleasantly surprised with both the speed and cost to locate missing person. We would have absolutely no hesitancy to recommend HeirSearch services.
San Marcos, CA
Attorney
Aug 09, 2021
I had a very good first experience with HeirSearch. You were excellent in giving updates and informing me of obstacles along the way. I would recommend and use your services again.
Miami, FL
Attorney
Aug 04, 2021
You and your team were wonderful to work with. I had a big ask in this case, and you guys knocked it out of the park.
Bremerton, WA
Attorney
Aug 03, 2021
It was a pleasure working with everyone through this process and I appreciate the communication and efficiency!
Lincoln, NE
Attorney
Jul 02, 2021
I have certainly found your firm to be responsive and professional.
Joliet, IL
Attorney
Jul 02, 2021