Probate geneologists,,does there have to to be certain amount to make it worth them getting involved.

Question

i have recently had a probate geneologist phone me and tell me the my second cousen had died last year leaving no first hand family .

it taken all this time to trace me and my brother ,,do these people really get involved if its not worth there time .

Answer 1

Usually a scam. Call the probate court for the county before you agree to anything. In most states, a 2nd cousin wouldn't inherit anyway unless there was a will; in which case the executor should have found you. If there was no will, you may not be entitled anyway.

Answer 2

As they are going to take a cut of whatever has been left to you, the sum has got to be enough to make it worth your while. As they have told you that its a cousin who has died, surely you now have enough information to trace that person?

Answer 3

Probate genealogists are contract type researchers, who are not paid as a percent or portion of the estate.  They have their own fees, and normally are persons who very much enjoy the challenge of genealogy, and putting it to practical purposes.  I am not a professional probate researcher, however one family that I had extensive records on, was part of the records requested by the estate.  I was happy to share them.

If you have any concerns, the person will have directed you to the lawyer who is handling the estate.

edit-

when there is no will, is exactly when the research is needed.