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.
We really like working with HeirSearch, we find your process to be very easy to navigate, which we like. I honestly don’t have any criticisms! You guys do a great job, you are easy to work with and you are fast.
Cheyenne, WY
Executive Director
Sep 19, 2022
The heir search process was very comprehensive and worked with the needs of the Estate requirements in Pennsylvania. The report that was produced was very detailed and thorough. Client was satisfied with the experience!
Pittsburgh, PA
Attorney
Sep 07, 2022
This was a very complicated project involving a search for relatives who died close to 100 years ago. As well as family members who changed their names and lived in countries with records that have been destroyed. HeirSearch found all the people who needed to be found and provided the information I needed to file with the court.
Olney, MD
Attorney
Aug 30, 2022
Thank you for following up. The search HeirSearch performed for us was very simple and went smoothly without any difficulties. Researcher was easy to work with and very thorough. We will keep HeirSearch in mind when we are in need of services again.
Lancaster, PA
Paralegal
Aug 24, 2022
We had a great experience using HeirSearch. They were very thorough and presented their findings in an orderly way.
Cayuga, IN
Attorney
Aug 22, 2022
Thank you for the successful and wonderful experience we had utilizing HeirSearch. Your professional staff is very rewarding. We will continue to use your service in the future if need be.
Keota, IA
Legal Assistant
Aug 02, 2022