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.
I was very pleased with the service provided by HeirSearch. All interactions from the initial information gathering call to the final report presented in a 3-ring binder was exceptional. I will not hesitate to reach out to you again should I need your services and I will absolutely recommend your service to friends and colleagues.
Lake Forest, IL
Trust Advisor
Nov 16, 2021
As usual, HeirSearch offered a great service and results. Communication and response times were fast. We look forward to working with you again.
Chicago, IL
Trust Officer
Oct 20, 2021
Thank you for always overseeing our requests closely. We appreciate what you do for us and will definitely pass your name along to anyone who may require your services. We look forward to working with you in the future.
Honolulu, HI
Legal Assistant
Oct 19, 2021
The process was simple and quick. The HeirSearch staff provided a professional experience.
Rochester, NY
Attorney
Oct 18, 2021
I was impressed by your team’s professionalism in working with me and my client. I was also pleased with the researcher’s creativity and doggedness. It was a good experience all around.
Atlanta, GA
Attorney
Sep 22, 2021
Great communication and service overall.
Sonoma, CA
Attorney
Sep 16, 2021