Heir Finding FAQ

Heir Finding FAQ
Firm FAQ
Where is this money coming from? back to top

Just as soon as we receive the signed agreements from everyone who is entitled to participate, we will make a formal “disclosure” to you in writing. We will then give you all of the details as they are known to us. Unfortunately, we cannot divulge the exact source of the assets until agreements are in hand. This is necessary to protect our significant investment because by the time we contacted you, we have already expanded much time, money and research.

Is time of the essence when making claims? back to top

Immediate attention is required in these matters. There are statutes of limitation, cut-off dates and deadlines that we must meet. Each case is different and there varying requirements. We do not have a lawful client until we have your agreement in hand, and can’t enter an appearance nor do anything to protect your interests until then. Once deadlines pass or others have made claims, your position may be diminished, or worse yet, lost forever and lawfully irretrievable.

What is included in your fee? back to top

Our fee includes all services and costs necessary to find the case, locate you, prove your entitlement and have you declared the lawful recipient. In addition, it covers advancing our own money, certain legal fees and expenses, office overhead, equipment, licenses, permits, databases, researchers, long distance phone calls, certified records and documents, translations and express services to name a few. There are no hidden or additional charges. We only receive our agreed upon fee, and not until you receive your share.

If I were entitled to something why wouldn’t I know about it? back to top

There are so many sources of unclaimed assets available. However, the “holders” of these assets simply do not have the resources or experience to locate people entitled to receive them. Every state has billions of dollars in unclaimed funds. Then there are banks, courts, stock brokerages, governmental entities, insurance companies and many other sources. Our sole business is research, investigation and consulting.

Will I have to advance any money to you? back to top

No. When we contact someone like yourself, we are so sure of our ultimate success, that we take all of the risks–though not unnecessary ones. We advance all money and only receive our fee if and when distribution is made to you.

“How much will I owe if your firm is unable to make a recovery? back to top

Nothing! The only time we receive a fee is if you receive your share. Remember, our agreement states: “If you don’t receive anything, you will be under absolutely no obligation to us.” No recovery, no fee, no charge.

How did you get my name? back to top

We locate individuals such as yourself through our vast research network, computer systems, public records, genealogical research, as well as through speaking with friends, neighbors, employers and family members. We specialize in finding people, searching for the missing each and every day. Bottom line: We know how to locate people!

Who asked you to find me? back to top

We are most often contacted by attorneys, courts, banks, insurance companies, funeral homes and governmental agencies.

Why am I entitled to receive assets? back to top

Because through our research and experience we have concluded that you are the rightful recipient of something you were unaware of. Your name was not picked out of a hat. Careful and exhaustive investigation was done before we contacted you. We would not be spending our time, money and effort if we weren’t sure we had the right person.

When will I receive this? back to top

Since we do not obtain our fee until distribution–the same time you receive your share–you can rest assured that we will do everything to recover the assets as quickly as possible. This usually happens within six to nine months from the date of our original contract, but depending on the source and type of case, it could be a matter of a few weeks. Each case varies, and you will be kept informed.

What happens after I sign your agreement? back to top

After we receive your signed agreement, the remainder of our work begins. We file the necessary claims, forms and appearances; order records and documents; prepare genealogical charts and proofs of claim; meet with attorneys, banks, courts or the holders of the assets; and sometimes we are required to attend court hearings. We keep you advised of our progress, and ultimately you will be adjudicated to receive your share with an absolute minimum involvement of your time!

When do I notify you? back to top

When it comes to missing heirs, the sooner we are informed the better. Some attorneys, trust departments, guardians, funeral directors and administrators notify us immediately–preferably in advance of filing any official documents. This allows us to be proactive in our efforts to locate heirs. Then, when it is time to proceed with formal filings, all of the heirs are revealed at the onset–and no amendments, modifications or time-consuming efforts are necessary.

How do you locate people? back to top

We locate individuals through our vast research network, computer systems, public records and genealogical resources, as well as through speaking with friends, neighbors, employers and family members.

What are your fees? back to top

Depending upon the size of the estate, our fees are based upon a percentage due the missing heirs and are paid directly by them from their share. This way, the estate or policy holder of an asset is not under any financial obligation. We are pleased to discuss your needs and the best way to serve you.

Why can’t I just use the Internet? back to top

The Internet is a great resource, but very limited in heirship matters. It still takes old-fashioned hands-on research. For example, records and data are sparse, not certifiable for courts and frequently contain information that predates today’s laws of Descent and Distribution. Names may be common, yet we must locate, identify, then prove beyond any reasonable doubt that the heirs we present are the lawful and rightful claimants.

What do you need to start? back to top

A phone call, email or fax puts our resources into immediate action. We work on matters in which there are missing, unknown, or the possibility of additional heirs. Testate, intestate, or even unclaimed assets. Court Orders are not needed for us to work on a contingent bases since there is no obligation. We take all of the risks at our expense. Starting information such as a death record, obituary notice, family bible, personal papers or just the names of some former friends are all we need.

How do you receive new cases? back to top

We are most often informed by attorneys, courts, banks, insurance companies, funeral homes and governmental agencies.

What happens after you find an heir? back to top

After we have a signed agreement, the remainder of our work begins. We arrange the necessary Appearances, order records, documents, prepare genealogical charts and proofs of claim. We also meet with attorneys, banks, courts or the holders of assets, and tend to a multitude of details.

Is time of the essence in making claims? back to top

Immediate attention is required in these matters. There are statutes of limitation, cut-off dates and deadlines that we must meet. Each case is different and there varying requirements. We do not have a lawful client until we have a signed agreement in hand, and we cannot do anything to protect our client’s interests until then. Once deadlines pass or others have made claims, positions may be diminished, or worse yet, lost forever and lawfully irretrievable.

Do you pay referral fees? back to top

Yes! If permitted by law and ethically correct. Our staff will be pleased to discuss specifics on a case-by-case basis.