Fees & Expenses

This kinship work (legal and genealogical) can be costly for the family and carries some risk if kinship is not established. It is not possible to foresee how many hours of genealogical research and legal work will be needed before the research etc. is completed, to successfully establish kinship. On the genealogical side, no one can confirm precisely before the research is completed the precise size and shape of the family tree, and the availability and location of information, witnesses, records and documents, etc. Therefore, I provide the option, where you can retain me to work either by way of a contingency fee or on an hourly basis.

If we agree that I am retained on a contingency fee basis, you will have no risk of out of pocket costs, as I will underwrite the entire cost of my work, including the obtaining of certified copies of relevant documents, travel, testimony, etc. You will then pay me a mutually agreed percentage payable from your inheritance, which I will have helped you claim. My fee is only paid upon my proving your kinship i.e. your right to inherit from the decedent’s estate. In the event I am not successful you do not owe me any fee.

Additionally, depending on our agreement, if we choose to proceed by way of a contingency fee, my fee may include the legal fees of an attorney to represent you. Under this broader agreement the total cost of genealogical research and legal fees for your attorney would be provided with no risk or upfront costs to you. Those costs and fees would be paid for again by way of a percentage of the monies you inherit, payable upon the successful conclusion of your kinship claim.

Should you wish to retain me on an hourly basis kindly contact me for more information. In choosing this option I will be paid my hourly fee, with a retainer due up front. This payment is made regardless of the outcome of your case. You therefore will incur out of pocket costs and bear the risk.

If you are interested in using my services to your benefit please contact me for more information. I review cases at no cost and I prefer to discuss cases based on their individual merits so we can decide a mutually acceptable and fair way for us to work together. My goal is a successful outcome for you, where you and I are both satisfied with the end result.