Detailed Answer
An administrator (personal representative) in Utah must identify all heirs before distributing estate assets. When only limited information is available, follow a structured search process:
- Review Decedent Records: Examine wills, deeds, address books, social media accounts and correspondence. Check electronic files for family-tree research or contact lists.
- Consult Public Records: Search vital records (birth, marriage, death certificates) at the Utah Department of Health Office of Vital Records. Use the Utah Code § 75-2-102 definition of heirs to guide your search.
- Contact Known Relatives or Friends: Reach out to surviving family members, friends or associates who may know of additional next-of-kin. Funeral homes often maintain contact information.
- Use Online Databases and Genealogy Services: Access free and paid databases (e.g., Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org) to build a family tree and identify potential descendants.
- Publish Legal Notice: Under Utah Code § 75-3-602, publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in the probate county. This alerts unknown heirs to come forward within statutory deadlines.
- Hire Professionals: Engage a licensed genealogist or heir-location service when records are scarce or relationships are complex. They can run name-change, adoption and immigration record searches.
- Verify Identities: Once potential heirs are identified, obtain certified copies of vital records. Compare names, dates and familial relationships. Obtain sworn affidavits from individuals with firsthand knowledge to confirm lineage.
- Report to the Court: Present your findings, documentation and any required affidavits to the probate court. The court will confirm eligible heirs and approve asset distribution.
Helpful Hints
- Visit the county clerk’s office for land records and historical probate files.
- Explore national archives for adoption, military and immigration records.
- Use social media with care—respect privacy and verify profiles.
- Keep detailed logs of each inquiry, source and result.
- Use court-approved forms when filing notices to ensure compliance.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a Utah-licensed attorney to discuss your specific situation.