WHAT WE DO

Estate Outreach & Claims Support

01/ Identify

We research probate records, estate filings, and unclaimed asset databases across the country. When we find an estate where heirs haven’t been notified, we go to work.

02/ Locate & Verify

Using publicly available probate and genealogical records only, we trace the family tree to identify living heirs. Every link is supported by documented evidence.

03/ Recover & Deliver

We handle the entire claims process: documentation, court filings, hearings, and correspondence. You receive your share minus our contingency fee.

We Know This Might Feel Unexpected

If you’re reading this, chances are you received a letter, email, or phone call from the American Estate Institute.

And your first reaction was probably some mix of surprise and skepticism. That’s completely normal. We hear it all the time. Here’s what’s going on: through our research into public probate records and estate filings, we’ve identified assets that may belong to you — typically from the estate of a deceased relative. In many cases, heirs have no idea these assets exist. Sometimes the connection is a parent or grandparent. Other times, it’s a more distant relative you may not have known well, or at all. Regardless of the relationship, the money is real, the process is legal, and you have every right to claim what’s yours.

How to Manage a Sudden Inheritance With Confidence

Receiving an inheritance you didn’t expect can be disorienting. Whether it’s a modest sum or a life-changing amount, the impulse to act immediately is strong — but it’s rarely the smartest move. Here are some grounded recommendations for handling a financial windfall responsibly.

Get Your Financial House in Order First

Before you spend a dollar, take stock of where you stand. Do you have outstanding debts? Are you current on bills? Start with a realistic budget. Knowing your baseline makes it much easier to decide how to put new money to work.

Save Before You Spend

If you don’t already have an emergency fund, this is your chance to build one. Three to six months of living expenses, set aside in a savings account you don’t touch. It’s not glamorous, but it’s the single most stabilizing financial move you can make.

Don’t Quit Your Day Job

It’s tempting, especially if the inheritance feels substantial. But money runs out faster than people expect. Keeping your income stream protects you from the 90% of inherited wealth that research shows is depleted by the third generation.

Bring in Professionals You Trust

A certified financial planner, a CPA, maybe an estate attorney — these are people who can help you build a real plan instead of making emotional decisions. Check their credentials. Get referrals. Don’t hand control to anyone you haven’t vetted.

Honor the Legacy

Before you allocate a single dollar, ask yourself what the person who left this to you would have wanted. That’s not sentimental fluff — it’s a practical framework for making decisions you won’t regret.

Take It Slow

The money isn’t going anywhere. Give yourself time to plan, consult with advisors, and think clearly. The best financial decisions are rarely made in the first week.

Be Discreet

Money changes relationships, and not always for the better. You don’t owe anyone a detailed breakdown or an accounting of what you’ve received. Keep the circle small. Involve the people who need to be involved and leave social media out of it entirely.

This information is provided as general guidance and should not be considered legal, tax, or investment advice. We always recommend consulting with qualified professionals about your specific situation.