Frequently Asked Questions

Is this for real?
Yes! You are being contacted because our research has identified you as an heir to an estate or trust matter.

What will this cost me?
AGHS assumes all financial risk. When you receive your inheritance, we collect a percentage. The percentage that we collect covers research fees, documentation, court costs, proving your heirship to the court, and attorney fees. If you do not receive a distribution, you owe nothing.

What happens after I sign and return my agreement to AGHS?
An AGHS case manager will contact you to confirm receipt of your signed agreement, explain the next steps in obtaining your inheritance and work closely with you throughout the process. Please note that faxed, emailed, or electronic signatures are acceptable.

Who is leaving me money?
When a person dies without leaving a Last Will & Testament, they are considered to have died intestate. In this case succession laws determine the legal heirs to the estate. Through genealogical research, your relationship to the decedent is the reason why AGHS has contacted you. We are not contacting you to try and locate a case for you; we are contacting you because you may be an heir to an estate that is already in probate.

Why can you not divulge all details of your genealogical research?
Due to privacy concerns, we will not divulge personal information to other heirs or any third party without express written consent.

How much of my time will this take?
In most cases, you will just need to sign a few papers and provide a photocopy or two. AGHS will handle the documentation, paperwork, and monitoring while providing you with status reports.

How long does the probate process take?
State statutes determine the minimum amount of time an estate must remain open, but the total time from open to close will depend on many different factors. On average intestacy matters will conclude within eighteen to thirty-six months. European estate matters may remain open longer.

What if I already know what the AGHS proposal is about?
AGHS asks you to carefully weigh the financial and legal risks of attempting to prove yourself as a potential heir to an investigation. The financial risk of conducting any genealogical probate research can be quite burdensome if your matter does not come to fruition. In these scenarios, it is highly likely that you are still legally obligated to pay a legal counselor for their services and a retainer fee. From a legal risk, the experienced AGHS team assures the court that each potential heir is legally accounted for, leaving no one behind according the succession laws of the jurisdiction from which the case derives. Ultimately, it is conducive to utilize the services of AGHS on a contingency basis.

What if I do nothing?
Most state laws mandate that, after a statutory period, unclaimed shares of an estate will be escheated, or given over, to the state. There are also strict statutes of limitations and deadlines that could reduce, impede or nullify a future claim.

Is AGHS a law firm?
No, AGHS is not licensed to practice law. All activities requiring legal services will be provided by a licensed, qualified attorney.