Your questions / Our answers
1
Why am i being contacted by a genealogist?
Why am i being contacted by a genealogist?
A genealogist contacts you when someone related to you, and whom you don’t know, or are unaware that they have died, passes away without any known heirs. The genealogist, who can legally assess up to six degrees of kinship, carries out research and identifies you as one of the deceased person's closest relatives.
2
Why does the notary not carry out this research themselves?
Why does the notary not carry out this research themselves?
Actually, looking for heirs requires the use of researchers who have considerable experience in consulting archives, who are able to make numerous journeys, and requires administrative authorisations that only inheritance genealogists are able to provide.
This is set out in law: the firm works in strict accordance with the law of 23 june 2006, which requires the genealogist to be duly authorised by any person who has a direct and legitimate interest in the settlement of the estate.
3
What is your role?
What is your role?
We are authorised by someone who has an interest under the law, generally a notary, but this may also include banks or life insurance companies, to complete the transfer of the estate of a deceased person. After carrying out research to determine the relationship with the deceased, we contact the heirs to inform them of their entitlement to the estate in question.
In addition, as specialists in inheritance law, we will also represent the heirs, to protect their interests as best as possible in the liquidation of assets and settling of liabilities, in partnership with our liquidation notary: inventory, valuations, validation of the declaration of inheritance and filing with the administrative authorities, etc.
Our research assignment is only the tip of the iceberg. Our work is also important during the second phase and can lead to significant time savings when settling an estate, as we generally represent all the heirs. We certainly have a detective role, but we’re legal experts above all.
4
Who can i inherit from?
Who can i inherit from?
You can inherit from relatives up to the 6th degree under french law. In other words, from the descendants of the brothers and sisters of your four maternal and paternal grandparents.
5
What happens once the heirs have been found?
What happens once the heirs have been found?
Once the heirs have been identified and tracked down, the genealogist will contact you and suggest you sign an inheritance tracing contract. Under this contract, the genealogist undertakes to inform the heir of their entitlement and the identity of the person whose estate he/she will inherit. In return, the heir undertakes to pay the genealogist their tracing fees.
6
Does signing the inheritance tracing contract force me to accept the inheritance?
Does signing the inheritance tracing contract force me to accept the inheritance?
Not at all. Signing the contract does not force the heir into accepting the inheritance. Only once the name of the deceased and the content of the estate have been revealed can the heir decide on the inheritance with full knowledge of the facts. He/she can then accept it or refuse it.
By signing the contract, the heir is required to pay the genealogist a percentage of the assets collected through the latter. In return, the genealogist is required to inform the heir of his/her entitlement to the inheritance: from whom he/she will inherit and in what proportions. If the heir finally decides to refuse the inheritance, the contract will lapse.
7
What will happen if the inheritance includes debts?
What will happen if the inheritance includes debts?
If the inheritance liabilities are greater than the assets, the genealogy firm will bear the costs and will cover all costs incurred (travel, research, etc.) In tracking down the heirs. No inheritance means no payment!
8
Do i have to advance any money?
Do i have to advance any money?
No, we advance all costs up to the final settlement of the inheritance. If the liabilities are greater than the assets, we will cover all costs.
9
How are your fees calculated?
How are your fees calculated?
It is a percentage of the entitlement of the heir that has been found, which varies depending on the amount of the assets and degree of kinship. Our fees are detailed in the tracing contract and the customer is guaranteed against any liabilities contained in his/her inheritance.