Estate and Probate Attorney Services

Safety of Elders, Protection of Assets, Locates of Heirs

  • “A former companion of the decedent has appeared with a recent will naming her as sole beneficiary of his estate. This is a surprise to the estate attorney and the decedent’s children, who are named as heirs in an older will. Why wasn’t this will filed?”

This is a twist on a not uncommon scenario, a contested estate or probate settlement. However, often times “attacks” on an estate happen well before a loved one has passed away, and key family members may not be aware. For example, a caregiver who was not properly vetted may have forged checks on the patient’s account, or adult children suddenly faced with a parent in an advanced stage of dementia may not know where their parent’s real estate and other holdings are located. Long lost children or other heirs may need to be located. Every day legal investigators are assisting estate attorneys and family members in answering these and other questions.

Trace Investigations assists estate and probate attorneys and their clients by:

  • Conducting background investigations on caregivers and assisted living facilities.

  • Investigating a new companion or others who have inserted themselves into the life of a family’s wealthy and widowed patriarch or matriarch.

  • Reviewing questioned documents, such as previously unknown wills and codicils.

  • Providing forensic examinations on cellular and tablet devices which may have information to assist an investigation.

  • Searching for a decedent’s assets, or for an estranged sibling named in a will, or the unknown heirs of someone who has passed intestate.

The benefits of an investigation:

  • Protection of Persons: The safety and well-being of a loved one is protected.

  • Protection of Assets: A family’s assets are identified or saved from unlawful intrusions.

  • Identification of Adverse Actors: A forensic examination of a decedent’s cellular phone or tablet could prove elder exploitation.

  • Protection of Right: An heir’s rights under law are protected.

  • Ability to Prevail: An estate attorney’s duty is fulfilled.

FAQs

  • Often times, they’re not. However, there are instances when legal issues arise. For example, an heir or heirs named in a will might be unknown to the executor or the estate attorney. We specialize in locating missing heirs. Other times, an attorney may suspect elder fraud by a caregiver or another adult who has taken advantage of an elderly client. Finally, an asset investigation may be required to locate all property belonging to an estate.

  • Yes, to the extent that circumstances allow. For example, we can conduct a background investigation on a caregiver or establish the relationship of an unknown heir to the decedent without alerting the targets. At a certain point, however, we may need to interview individuals, but by that time, usually, our attorney client is in a good position to protect his or her client.

  • Normally we provide our client with a written report, ready for filing with the court. Our reports can assist an attorney in setting up depositions or settlement discussions.

  • Yes, when necessary. Over the years, a number of our estate or probate cases have gone to trial. Our investigators are experienced in courtroom decorum.

  • It depends. Most of our cases are billed by the hour plus expenses. Once we consult with the client about the nature of the case, we can set an initial budget. We understand resources may be limited for some cases and will work closely with our client to obtain favorable results. Some assignments can be worked on a flat fee arrangement, such as service of process and asset investigation. For new clients, we require a retainer arrangement.

  • We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, PayPal and checks.

  • You can always call our office from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday (phone 812-334-8857). Our investigators have cell phone numbers and email addresses printed on their business cards and often communicate directly with clients during cases. You can also go to our contact page on this website and send us a message. If you have a legal matter you think an investigator can help you with, we want to hear from you.

Get in Touch

For assistance, please email use the contact form and we will get back to you within 24 hours. For immediate assistance, please call us at 812-334-8857.

Testimonials

  • “Trace Investigations has assisted our clients a number of times over the years on estate and probate cases and recently with locating missing family members and documenting caregiver fraud. Trace Investigations helps us deliver exceptional results to our clients. Don Johnson and his team always respond quickly and professionally to our requests for their service.”

    Eric Slotegraaf, Esq.
    Aslotegraaf Legal, LLC
    Bloomington, Indiana

  • “Our office has worked with Don Johnson and Trace Investigations, Inc. on a variety of cases over the past several years. We have been impressed with their work. They are prompt, professional and efficient. I highly recommend Trace Investigations.”

    John W. Richards, Esq.
    Bunger & Robertson
    Bloomington, Indiana