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 | ||||
Great Grandparents | Great Grand | |||
Grandparents | Grand Uncles | First Cousins | ||
Parents | Uncles & Aunts | First Cousins | Second Cousins | |
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 have used HeirSearch on several occaisions and they have always provided excellent service and fast turn around times. I will use them again anytime there is a need for their services.
Milwaukee, WI
Vice President of Trust Operations
Jun 05, 2025
Thank you for your help in locating our beneficiary! We have since been in contact with him.
Bluffton, IN
Attorney
May 21, 2025
Prompt responses and all communication were clear. The investigation time was excellent.
Eureka, CA
Trustee
May 21, 2025
HeirSearch has always found my "missing" descendants and appropriately contacted them, so that they feel confident that the contact was not a scam. I am an attorney with an emphasis in probate; estate planning, including trusts, and property law. I have used HeirSearch since 2012 and have always received legally accurate results. My recommendation is not to waste your time in trying to find heirs and descendants, just go directly to HeirSearch. To do otherwise is a waste of your time and your client's.
Silver City, NM
Attorney
Apr 23, 2025
The sales rep was honest and responsive. The researcher was excellent and very thorough. Highly recommend and will use the service when needed in the future.
Bordentown, NJ
Attorney
Apr 15, 2025
HeirSearch’s researcher was great to work with! She was very responsive and was able to answer our questions.
Westminster, CO
Attorney
Apr 10, 2025