Probate Research
Not everyone knows what exactly a probate researcher does. Often, people contacted by us become insecure and unwelcoming on the phone.
For your information and clarification, we have collected the most frequently asked questions and answered them transparently. If you still have a question, a tummy rumbling: Give us a call, send us an email or use the online enquiry form.
For your information and clarification, we have collected the most frequently asked questions and answered them transparently. If you still have a question, a tummy rumbling: Give us a call, send us an email or use the online enquiry form.
Who does commission the probate researcher?
In cases of unexplained inheritance and with guaranteed positive assets, probate researchers or heir investigators become active. Estate administrators or other legal representatives often take over the administration of these estates. In difficult cases, they commission specialised estate agents, when only individual family members or no heirs at all can be found with their own funds. Inheritance investigators also have the task of obtaining all necessary proofs of inheritance – many times from different countries - because these are a must to receive a certificate of inheritance.
Why do I have to sign a fee contract?
The fee contract is a risk-free, all-round package for you. In addition to services for determining all heirs, also competent support throughout the entire process up to payment is included there. The fee can never exceed your specific quote of the inheritance; the percentage is always calculated based on the inheritance paid out. Until the proceedings have been concluded, only the probate researcehr takes a risk.
However, the fee contract guarantees a fixed coompensation for the probate researcher. By signing the fee contract, each heir also gains access to the results of the research, i.e. an exciting insight into one own’s family history.
How is the fee calculated
Heir investigators are obliged to conduct investigations at their own risk - expressly not at the expense of the estate. Research and document costs do sum up even before it is clear whether legal heirs can be determined at all and whether an inheritance certificate procedure leads to success. It’s impossible to estimate the duration of an investigation and the amount of the investigation costs. According to our expereince, the whole process requires a time of 1 to 3 years.
In Germany the described cost risk plus the long duration of the proceedings legitimise a fee of up to 35% of the estate (in the case of heirs abroad also above this) plus the statutory value added tax.
Why does the probate researcher keep certain information disclosed before the contract is accepted?
Only a valid fee contract entitles the heir investigator to remuneration. Certain information could enable the heirs to protect their own interests. If the heir investigator reveals these, he loses the right to remuneration or reimbursement of the expenses incurred. Therefore, please understand if you do not receive any information about the testator, his place of residence, the probate court or the guardian of the estate.
Werden Verfahrenskosten (z. B. Notarkosten) durch den Erbenermittler getragen?
The probate researcher initially makes advance payment in respect of fees for the notarisation of the application for the certificate of inheritance. Notaries charge these costs in every inheritance certificate procedure. The total amount of the fees depends on the respective value of the estate. All notary costs are included in the compensation as stated in the regarding fee contract.
What happens after the signing the fee contract?
If all persons entitled to inherit have signed and returned the fee agreement, they will receive further information about their case. This normally includes the type, origin and approximate value of the estate. In addition, we take all necessary steps to submit the necessary applications for the certificate of inheritance. When the certificates of inheritance are issued, the administrator of the estate in question usually takes care of the correct distribution of the estate.
After deducting all fees, is there still anything left of my inheritance?
You can be sure: There is a positive estate value - even after deducting fees, expenses and any inheritance tax. This means absolutely no risk for you.