Researching heirs to an estate can be a very time-consuming process that requires several different methods of research. Probate genealogists will use many types of research in combination with each other to solve a case that they’re working on. In this article, we take a look at some of the most common research methods used by probate genealogists.
Document gathering
Documents are vital for probate genealogists to determine who is entitled to receive money when an individual passes away. Documents such as wills, marriage certificates, death certificates, birth certificates and much more are critical to the research process. In some cases, having these documents gives probate genealogists all the information they need to complete a case and accurately map out the deceased's family tree. Probate genealogists can access lots of documents that the general public would find hard to locate; these databases are often the starting point for probate research.
Speaking to family and friends
Family and friends of the deceased can be a vital source of information for tracing people that have been mentioned in the will but don’t have up-to-date contact information. They may be able to give probate genealogists this information easily without the need for additional more complex research. Probate genealogists should always take the time to visit or call family and friends as they can unlock more information that can be vital to ensuring all the beneficiaries get the inheritance they are entitled to and no one is missed out on as part of the process.
Speak to more experienced probate genealogists
It can often take more than one expert to solve a very complex case; probate genealogists will sometimes work together as a team to help locate the rightful heirs of an estate. For very large cases, it may require a team of experts that each have a particular skill set in an area within probate genealogy. As with all specialist fields, there are details and complexities that certain members of the profession understand more than others. This is why it can be beneficial for clients to seek out probate genealogist companies where there is more than one professional working in the practice.
Advertisements or notices
On some occasions, as part of probate research, probate genealogists will post notices or advertisements in local newspapers, on social media websites and on genealogical platforms. These notices are helpful as the person they’re seeking may see them and respond to the notice. Alternatively, friends or family members may tell the potential heirs about the notice and encourage them to make contact. The more people are aware of a case and the details surrounding the person that they’re searching for, the more likely they are to find the right individual.
These are some of the most common research methods used by probate genealogists. By utilising a combination of different research methods, the right heirs to an estate can be found. However, it is often a long, drawn-out process that takes time and lots of resources. In some cases, it can take years to find known beneficiaries that are missing. Other cases may resort to purchasing insurance to cover the people who have benefitted from the estate. The insurance will pay out if anyone comes forward after the money has been distributed. This protects the heirs from any personal liability and means they won’t need to give up the money they have inherited.
If you’re interested in becoming a probate genealogist, it is important that you have the right skills to succeed in this profession. A love for research and documents is essential as you will be spending lots of your time looking through different documents to try and trace potential heirs. In addition to enjoying research, probate genealogists need to be able to communicate with people carefully and considerately; you may need to speak to people that have recently lost very close family members or friends. Being kind and considerate is essential if you want to be recommended for your work as a probate genealogist. Another important skill is attention to detail; you will be given lots of information from family members, friends and in the documents you read; sometimes, it's the smallest of details that help to close a case.