Our "No Cost" Approach

Many heir searches require extensive research to identify the correct heirs. The costs of such research, including forensic genealogists, vital records, court records and public notices, are quite substantial.

Once identified, the heirs need to be located. This involves standard missing person investigations, including the costs of database searches, public record searches, private investigators, phone interviews and correspondence.

For these situations, where the outcome is unknown and the up-front costs substantial, we provide a contingent fee arrangement. This allows for a search at no cost to the estate.

Contingent searches are done at the sole expense and risk of Search International. Once heirs are identified and located, we negotiate our compensation directly with the individuals located for a reasonable portion of their entitlement.

Attorneys and trust officers prefer this approach because:

• The estate does not expend funds for searches that may prove to be costly and unproductive.
  
• Known heirs do not have their shares diminished by the costs incurred to identify and locate missing heirs.
  
• The individuals who benefit directly from the search absorb its costs.