If you have received a letter from our firm, this is usually good news, as you are likely an heir in an estate file.

How can I be sure that the letter comes from your firm and that it is not fraud?

If you are not certain that the letter comes from our firm, you can always send an email to diego@geritance.be or contact@geritance.be, with the letter attached. We will be able to confirm whether you were contacted by our firm.

Why am I being contacted?

Our firm is responsible for tracing heirs in estate matters. It is common for the notary, lawyer, heir, international genealogist, etc., not to carry out this search themselves, as it often concerns distant relatives who are entitled to inherit.

If you are contacted, this means that you are one of the potential heirs in this estate. At the time of contact, it is likely that not all heirs have yet been identified. This research may take some time, as it often takes several months to identify the correct heirs due to the complexity of the process.

Are notaries not responsible for settling estates?

That is correct. We do not contact you to settle the estate. We contact you because you may be an heir in the estate. It is possible that no notary has yet been appointed in the file. Once we represent you and we are certain that all heirs have been identified, then we will appoint a notary who will contact you.

Will I have to advance any costs?

You do not need to advance any costs during the procedure. Geritance advances all costs, and these are only settled when the estate is finalised, and only if the net balance is positive.

No payments are expected from heirs during the entire process before the estate has been settled. If you receive a letter requesting payment or your financial information, it does not come from our firm. You can always contact us to confirm this.

Will I have to invest a lot of time in this?

No. Our firm will fully represent you and protect your interests. We will maintain contact with the notarial office and the other heirs, so that you do not need to worry about the procedure. You will be regularly informed about the progress, but your active involvement can remain limited if you wish.

What are the next steps?

1. First, we will ensure that all heirs have been identified. The procedure cannot continue until we are certain that everyone entitled to the inheritance has been informed.

2. We will represent you throughout the entire process. Once all heirs have been identified and if no notary has yet been appointed, we will appoint a notary.

3. If real estate forms part of the estate, it will be sold.

4. The estate settlement process may take several months.

5. You will receive a net amount in your bank account. The inheritance taxes and various costs will be paid by the notary from the estate assets.

How will you (Geritance) be paid?

Our work is usually paid from the estate. You do not need to advance any costs yourself. The two most common remuneration methods in our profession are the following:

Final invoice: One option is to apply a fixed hourly rate for genealogical research. When determining this rate, we take into account the degree of kinship between the deceased and the heirs, the complexity of the research and our responsibility. The final invoice is based on the hours actually worked. This option is usually chosen by notaries who entrust files to us. We can provide a clear quotation before starting the research.

Agreement with the heirs: It is common to sign a disclosure agreement with the heirs we have traced. This involves a percentage determined according to the net value of the estate and the degree of kinship. In this agreement, the genealogist undertakes to provide the heir with proof of their inheritance rights. By signing this agreement and mandating the genealogist to assist with the settlement of the estate, Geritance defends the interests of the heir and represents him. This agreement also means that Geritance assumes all costs if the estate turns out to be insolvent. All research costs are borne by the genealogist.

I did not contact Geritance. Why are you carrying out work?

The notary or other parties involved cannot settle an estate without knowing who the heirs are. This is an essential part of the settlement process. Without identifying all legitimate heirs, the estate cannot be distributed, which may lead to legal complications.

In cases where heirs are unknown, or where heirs are more distantly related (for example distant cousins), it is necessary to conduct thorough genealogical research. This research is not optional but a legal requirement in order to distribute the estate in a lawful and efficient manner.

In such cases, Geritance may be appointed by the notary or other competent parties to carry out this search. We identify and trace the heirs so that the settlement of the estate can proceed correctly. This forms part of the legal process. If you are contacted, it means that you may be one of the heirs entitled to participate in the settlement of the estate.

If you have any other questions, you can always contact us.