Heir Tracing

Blanchards has decades of genealogical expertise and exclusive access to specialist resources. Our team delivers exceptional results in tracing missing beneficiaries. This level of skill and insight isn’t typically available to those navigating probate. This includes the legal sector, solicitors, the public sector, private care and members of the public dealing with probate.

Which cases need heir tracing?

Intestacy: When someone dies without leaving a valid will, their estate is distributed according to the inheritance laws of their country.

Unclaimed estates: When an estate goes unclaimed, a solicitor can contact us to help identify potential heirs and ensure the assets are distributed correctly.

Cases with wills: Heirs listed in a will who are no longer in touch with the executor or other family members need to be traced receive their inheritance.

Complex family structures: In cases where families are separated by estrangement or adoption, heir tracing may be necessary to identify potential heirs.

International estates: Some heirs may reside in different countries and be unaware that they are a beneficiary. We can identify and locate them to ensure proper distribution of the estate.

The importance of heir tracing

Identifying missing heirs is essential to fair and legal distribution of an estate, ensuring that the rights of all entitles parties are upheld. This process ensures that rightful heirs receive their inheritance and helps prevents future legal disputes.

Intestacy laws for different countries

Inheritance laws vary across countries that govern how a deceased person’s estate is distributed. In France and Spain, inheritance laws mandates that fixed share of the estate must go to certain family members, such as children and spouses. Whereas countries like the UK, Australia and the United States offer more freedom to distribute their assets through a will. However, intestacy laws apply if no valid will exists.

For example

In France, children are legally guaranteed a fixed share of their parent’s estate, regardless of the contents of a will. The size of this reserved portion depends on the number of children. If there is one child, they are entitled to half of the estate. If there are two children, each receives one-third. The remaining portion of the estate can be freely distributed if there is a will. If the deceased passed intestate (without a will), the remaining portion is also distributed to other heirs according to the legal order of succession.

To guarantee proper distribution under intestacy laws, it is crucial to involve an international genealogy firm. Blanchards can locate beneficiaries from across the globe.