Heir and estate genealogist

Probate attorneys, trust and estate lawyers, banks and trust companies, court-appointed administrators, and sometimes the heirs themselves.

Hourly or flat fees billed to attorneys and administrators for research reports, plus fees for expert witness support where you qualify.

• Rigorous genealogical proof standards
• Reading vital, court and land records
• Writing clear, evidence-based reports
• Professional communication with lawyers

• Some states have rules about heir-finding or probate research contracts and fee percentages, so check your state's rules and ask an attorney to review your agreement
• Be cautious of contingency fees, where you only get paid if heirs are found; this brings risk and may be restricted
• Professional liability (errors and omissions) insurance is worth checking, since mistakes can affect who inherits
• Your work must stand up in court, so keep clear source records
• Revenue can be uneven because cases come irregularly

Typically around $500 to $2,500, depending on the research tools and subscriptions you choose. Your work must stand up in court, so keep clear source records from the start.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many cases you take on and the hours you put in. Cases come irregularly, so revenue can be uneven. The estimate assumes at least about 10 hours a week.

Some states have rules about heir-finding or probate research contracts and fee percentages, so check your state's rules and ask an attorney to review your agreement. Be cautious with contingency fees, and check professional liability insurance.