Finding missing heirs and beneficiaries is similar to finding anyone else, except that you may have the advantage of expecting that the person will want to be found.You can leave a trail behind what you do and hope that your heir finds you.There are many steps you can take to locate someone.
Step 1: The will should be identified.
Identifying heirs is not very involved for most cases.If you want to distribute the property, you have to read the will.The matter becomes more interesting when a will cannot be found or the heirs are not clear.Wills aren't filed with any state agency.Sometimes an attorney helps draft a will for the person.It is possible that a person could have tucked a will between the pages of his or her favorite book.If a will exists, the first step is to identify it as such.If no will can be found, any interested party can apply to the court for an order that doesn't exist.This will usually be a family member.If that happens, the estate will be distributed according to state law.State law describes certain percentages of the estate for the spouse and children.The law will apply to parents or siblings if no one is alive at the time.In the movies, there is an example of an estate going to a long-lost great nephew.
Step 2: Work with the person who is in charge of the estate.
Most states have someone manage the distribution of the property.A friend or relative of the deceased is usually the executor.If you're looking for heirs to the estate, you need to meet with the executor to find out more about the will.
Step 3: Take a look at the will.
Carefully look at the will if you are in a position to do so.It will be easier to find heirs if they are identified by name.If the will uses vague language, such as, "I leave the remainder of my estate to any identifiable heirs," then your search will be more difficult.You will need to find out if any of the heirs exist.
Step 4: An attorney is familiar with estate law.
The distribution of assets from a deceased person's estate is what estate law directs.To understand the requirements of your state, you will need to meet with an attorney who practices this type of law.Estate laws can vary from state to state.When a person passes away, the law of the state where he or she was last living is usually the one that controls.
Step 5: Prepare to perform a search.
The law tells you about the need to look for missing heirs.State law generally requires the estate to perform a due diligence search if the will is vaguely written.This is a reasonable attempt to find missing heirs.A due diligence search usually requires advertising in a local newspaper for a number of weeks about the effort to locate heirs to the estate as well as making direct contact with known family members.
Step 6: As you know, gather as much information as you can.
If you want to find a missing heir, you can go beyond a due diligence search.If the person is found, you may be able to earn a commission.Depending on the reason, every case is going to have a different level of difficulty.The easier the rest of your search is, the more bits of information you can collect at the beginning.Vital records, obituaries of family members, credit records and education records are some examples of helpful information.
Step 7: Inquire about the other relatives of the deceased person.
You can begin your search with known family members.Ask if they have any leads for the heir.When was the last time you heard from John Doe, where was he living, and what kind of work did he do?Were you attending college?Did you have any children?
Step 8: The deceased person's friends should be contacted.
You can meet with friends and colleagues after you exhaust known relatives.It is always worth asking if their memory of a missing heir is as good as that of family members.
Step 9: A journal is a good place to keep a notebook.
A written record of your efforts should be kept when you meet with people.The date and time of your conversation, as well as a list of questions and answers, should be kept in a notebook or spreadsheet.If you need to prove to a court that you have conducted a thorough search, you can use this record as proof.
Step 10: Search for online sources.
Social media has made it easier to locate individuals in recent years.If you want to find the missing heir, use a variety of tools.Use a wide range of spellings and name combinations when searching for someone online.Leave it out or include a middle initial.Use a variety of spellings for the last name.If you know that he or she used a nickname, search under it.
Step 11: Information can be posted online.
It's easier to let someone know you're looking for them when you put out notices.If you are trying to find a missing heir to an inheritance, post information about the inheritance and include a way for anyone with information to reply to you.If you want to find out the name of the person you are looking for, you have to create a Facebook page.You can post a " looking for..." ad.
Step 12: An heir finder or investigator is a good choice.
To find a company that appears responsible, that describes openly their search process, and that seems to be fully responsive, look at several websites.Pick a company that you think will conduct the kind of search you need after meeting with one or more of them.
Step 13: Provide as much information as possible.
If you can provide useful information, the investigator's job will be improved.If you have already searched by yourself, you should turn over your notes to the investigator.
Step 14: Check with your state to see if such firms need to be licensed.
Private investigators need to be licensed in some states.They do not in some cases.To find out, check with the department of revenue or the secretary of state.If you want to retain an investigator, ask if the company is licensed or has other state oversight.
Step 15: The financial arrangement should be discussed with the search agent.
Before you hire someone to do this kind of work, you should have a written contract.The fee that you are going to pay should be stated in the contract.You have to specify if the payment will be based on an hourly rate or percentage of the inheritance.Depending on the type of inheritance, different companies have different billing policies.Will you pay an hourly rate or percentage of the inheritance value?There are limitations on how much an heir finder can charge.