Legal Definitions - heir hunter

An heir hunter is a professional or a company that specializes in finding individuals who are legally entitled to inherit money or property from someone who has died, especially when the deceased person did not leave a will (died intestate) or when the rightful heirs are unknown or difficult to locate. These professionals typically monitor public records, such as probate court filings, to identify estates where potential beneficiaries might be missing.

They then contact these potential heirs, offering to provide information about their inheritance rights and assist with the process in exchange for a portion or percentage of the inheritance they ultimately receive. Courts sometimes review these agreements to ensure they are fair and may modify or even cancel them if they are deemed exploitative or against public policy.

• Example 1: Locating a Distant Relative

  An elderly woman, Ms. Eleanor Vance, passes away in a small town. She was a recluse, had no children, and her husband predeceased her decades ago. She left no will, and local authorities are aware of her estate but cannot find any next of kin. A firm specializing in heir hunting discovers Ms. Vance's probate filing. Through extensive genealogical research, they trace her family tree back several generations and locate a great-niece, Sarah, living in another state, who was completely unaware of Ms. Vance's existence or her passing. The heir hunter contacts Sarah, offering to reveal the details of her inheritance in exchange for 20% of the estate's value.

  This illustrates an heir hunter finding a previously unknown relative (Sarah) who is legally entitled to inherit from an intestate decedent (Ms. Vance) and proposing a fee for their service.

• Example 2: Navigating a Complex Family Tree

  Mr. David Chen, a successful businessman, dies unexpectedly without a will. His immediate family (parents, siblings) had all passed away years prior, and he had no children. His estate is substantial, but the executor appointed by the court is struggling to identify any living relatives who would be legal heirs according to inheritance laws. An heir hunting company identifies Mr. Chen's unclaimed estate. They undertake extensive research, eventually discovering a distant cousin, Michael, living in Australia, who is the closest living relative. The heir hunter contacts Michael, explains the situation, and offers to facilitate the inheritance process for a percentage of the final distribution.

  This example demonstrates an heir hunter navigating a complex family situation and potentially international boundaries to locate the rightful heir to a significant estate, again for a share of the inheritance.