Heir tracing and legal genealogy researcher

Law firms, trustee companies, public trustees and estate administrators, and sometimes families dealing with an unclaimed estate.

Fixed or hourly fees from legal clients per case, or in some cases a negotiated fee tied to the outcome, agreed in writing.

• Rigorous research and proof of relationship
• Professional report writing
• Tactful contact with strangers
• Understanding of wills and estates basics

• Professional indemnity insurance, as errors can affect who inherits
• Privacy and confidentiality duties, check state rules on contacting and handling personal data
• Contingency fee arrangements, check what is allowed and get legal advice on your contracts
• Work can be irregular and slow to build, as it relies on a few referral sources

Startup costs are typically around $500 to $3,000, depending on research subscriptions, equipment and insurance. This is an estimate. The work is home-based, with reports and family trees built for law firms and estate administrators.

Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $4,000, depending on how many referrals you win. Estimates suggest at least around 8 hours a week. Work can be irregular and slow to build, as it relies on a few referral sources.

Check professional indemnity insurance, as errors can affect who inherits. Also check state rules on privacy, confidentiality and contacting people, and what contingency fee arrangements are allowed. Get legal advice on your contracts before taking on work.