Heir searcher (Erbenermittler)

Heir searchers (Erbenermittler), also referred to as "heir hunters" or "forensic genealogists", deal with finding heirs and collecting supporting documents (e.g. death certificates, birth certificates). Heir researchers in Germany often receive information from a curator of the estate (Nachlasspfleger). However, there is generally no contractual agreement between the heir searcher and the curator and the heir searcher does not receive a remuneration unless the heir signs a fee agreement.