How many relatives do you have?
By the age of 60 the average person has over 130 blood relatives. However, most of us only know a fraction of our extended family. Many individuals pass away without any obvious next-of-kin, or any known family. They may have been an only child — the last of their family line. Or they may have lived a very long life and outlived their children, siblings or any close relatives. In these cases, the individual’s estate is in jeopardy of passing into the possession of the State.
You can inherit from a relative’s distant estate
Drexel Hereford investigates estates where the next-of-kin are unknown, missing or undefined. We attempt to identify the lawful heirs to such estates and prove their right to inherit in a court of law. The heirs that we locate are often only remotely related to the deceased individual in question (sometimes through the client’s great-great-great-grandparents and beyond)! We represent thousands of heirs each year, and many are surprised to learn that they are entitled to inherit from such a distant family member.
Why have I been contacted?
If you have been contacted by our firm, it is because our research staff has determined that you are related to a deceased individual whose estate we are currently researching. We have conducted dozens, or even hundreds of hours of research, to conclude that you are entitled to inherit. The next step is for our firm to present your claim and pursue the legal steps necessary to recover your inheritance.
Will I be responsible for any debts or cost?
Drexel Hereford works on a percentage basis only and we assume responsibility for all costs and fees necessary to secure your claim, out of our own pocket. In addition, heirs can NEVER be held liable for any debts associated with an individual’s estate. If there are any taxes, debts, liens, etc., owed by a decedent, these are paid by the estate.
What do I have to do?
Essentially nothing. There is very little required from you beyond authorizing our firm to initiate your claim. Upon receiving your agreement to proceed, one of our attorneys will file your claim in court, and begin the process of establishing your right to inherit. When the court is satisfied that we have sufficiently proved your claim, you will be mailed a check that represents your share of your relative’s estate.
What if I have questions?
Please call us at 248-731-0002.
Most individuals have never been involved in any type of inheritance or estate proceeding, and we understand that this situation can be confusing. Our staff would like to answer your questions, and walk you through this process. The best way to do this is to call us so that we can have a one-on-one conversation with you. If you have a family attorney or a representative that you would like us to speak with, we encourage you to have them contact us. We will make every effort to help you and your family feel comfortable with our firm and this process.