Legal Definitions - heir hunter

An heir hunter is a type of business that searches for and locates relatives who are legally entitled to inherit from a deceased person. They do this by monitoring probate filings to identify intestate decedents who may have missing or unknown relatives. Once they find these successors, they offer to inform them of their legal rights in exchange for a share of their inheritance.

For example, if someone dies without a will, their assets will be distributed according to state law. If the deceased person has no living relatives, an heir hunter may be hired to locate distant relatives who may be entitled to inherit. The heir hunter will then offer to help these relatives claim their inheritance in exchange for a percentage of the assets.

It's important to note that some probate courts may review heir-hunter arrangements and modify their terms or even declare them invalid if they are deemed unfair or against public policy.