Legal heir searches in intestate succession cases
At Historikerkanzlei, we specialize in the identification of heirs in inheritance matters, offering our services to courts, notaries, lawyers, estate administrators, and public institutions. Our mission is to ensure that assets are transferred to their rightful heirs—rather than being forfeited to the state—when no will exists or when no heirs come forward within the prescribed legal period.
Statutory succession applies when a person dies intestate, i.e., without a legally valid will. If, after an official public notice, no heirs are found within the timeframe set by the probate court, the estate is declared ownerless and reverts to the state under the principle of “Heimfallsrecht” (right of escheat). Our role is to prevent that outcome—by identifying and documenting every individual who is legally entitled to inherit, no matter how far removed or geographically dispersed.
The Challenge of Finding Legal Heirs
The search for heirs is often complex. Individuals entitled to an inheritance may have no knowledge of their legal status due to historical and personal circumstances. Wars, forced migrations, emigration, or the dissolution of states have severed countless family connections across Europe and beyond. Generations may pass without communication, records may be lost or scattered, and even the family name may have changed.
In such cases, identifying legitimate heirs requires far more than simple database queries—it demands deep historical research, contextual legal knowledge, linguistic ability, and access to transnational sources. At Historikerkanzlei, we have built a system and methodology capable of resolving these cases effectively and ethically.
How We Work – Methodology & Success Rate
Our heir search operations are based on the following pillars:
- A global network of genealogical research partners in Europe, North America, South America, Australia, and beyond
- A highly specialized internal team of historians, legal experts, and genealogists with years of training in Austrian and international inheritance law
- One of the most extensive private archives in Austria, comprising tens of thousands of genealogical records, registry scans, historic notarial acts, family trees, and emigration files
- Cutting-edge genealogical research software, enabling cross-referencing between names, dates, locations, and historical registries
Through our worldwide network of genealogical offices, our highly specialized staff, our extensive in-house archives, and the use of state-of-the-art genealogical software, we are able to identify the rightful heirs quickly, effectively, and smoothly in nearly 80% of cases.
The assertion and enforcement of inheritance claims is then carried out by independent lawyers or notaries specialized in inheritance law. We ourselves do not represent heirs and do not provide legal advice – in Austria, this is reserved exclusively for lawyers and notaries
How long does it take until I receive the inheritance, and who can represent me?
It is very difficult to predict precisely how long this procedure will take. In Austria (and the respective national regulations must always be taken into account), we are not permitted by law to represent heirs. This is carried out exclusively by lawyers or notaries who are subject to professional regulations. They handle the entire process.
The duration depends on several factors, such as the inheritance law of the respective country, the procurement of documents, and the workload of the competent court.
What we deliver
Every case is different, but our core deliverables usually include:
- Complete genealogical reports, including verified family trees and lineage proof
- Documented relationship charts in a format accepted by courts and public notaries
- Copies and transcriptions of birth, marriage, and death certificates
- Translations and certified transcriptions (where applicable)
- Legal support through our cooperating attorneys to help heirs assert claims
- Coordination of cross-border inheritance proceedings when necessary
Our reports are available in German or English and can be customized for the legal systems of Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Australia, and others.
Why Choose Historikerkanzlei?
- Experience: With decades of expertise in genealogical research and legal succession, we are among the most respected genealogical firms in Austria and internationally.
- Global Reach: Our network of partners and researchers spans five continents. No location is too remote.
- Legal Precision: We provide court-ready documentation that meets the evidentiary requirements of probate courts.
- Discretion & Ethics: All investigations are conducted confidentially, and we strictly adhere to Austrian data protection and professional standards.
- Reputation: As one of the few Austrian correspondence members of the Chambre des Généalogistes Professionnels in France, we operate according to the highest international standards in genealogical research.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How did you identify me as a potential heir? It is very difficult to predict precisely how long it will take until an inheritance is paid out. In Austria – as in other countries – this depends on several factors, such as the applicable inheritance law, the procurement of necessary documents, and the workload of the competent court. The legal representation of heirs is carried out exclusively by lawyers or notaries who are subject to the relevant professional regulations. They handle the entire process.
How does the research process work? Our research begins with public records and estate files and extends through civil registries, church books, emigration lists, census data, and archives both in Austria and abroad. Every clue—names, places, dates—is investigated and verified to establish clear genealogical proof.
Can I trust that this is not a scam? Yes. We are a well-established and reputable genealogical firm operating under Austrian law. Our work is regularly reviewed by courts and notaries, and we never ask heirs to pay for inheritance rights. If you are unsure, we encourage you to consult a lawyer or contact the probate court handling the estate.
Do I have to pay anything to receive the inheritance? No. If we contacted you, it’s because you are likely entitled to a share of the estate. Any fees for our services are covered either by the estate itself or pre-agreed with those who commissioned the research. You will never be asked to pay upfront to claim your rightful inheritance.
What documents do I need to provide? You may be asked to provide personal identification (such as a passport or ID card), and documents confirming your own family background—such as birth or marriage certificates. We will guide you step-by-step and help you obtain any missing documentation.
How long does the process take? Each case varies depending on the complexity, number of heirs, and jurisdictions involved. However, once heirs are identified and verified, the legal process to claim an inheritance typically takes between a few months and 2 years.
Is the process confidential? Yes. All communications, research, and documentation are treated with strict confidentiality and in compliance with data protection regulations (DSGVO/GDPR). We never share your information without your consent.
Can you also help assert my legal claim? Yes. We work closely with a network of experienced probate and inheritance lawyers who can represent you in legal proceedings, both in Austria and internationally. This ensures your interests are protected at every stage.
