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.
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
Your staff was very available and responsive. We are very pleased with your service.
Attorney Leesburg, FL
Attorney
Apr 08, 2025
More information was provided than expected. Have used your company before and will continue to recommend your company to law firms and my current firm when the situation is necessary.
Valencia, CA
Attorney
Apr 07, 2025
Your firm was very helpful and timely. Thanks.
Inverness, FL
Attorney
Mar 19, 2025
The report was deep and convincing that I have identified all heirs I owe a duty to.
Felton, CA
Attorney
Mar 03, 2025