FAQ
Why have I been contacted?
The Arbor research team has identified an intestate estate petition (most often an estate that is opened without a will) of which you may be a direct beneficiary. As such, and should the estate reach its distribution phase, and we have confirmed with the probate court your rightful entitlement, you would be entitled to a share of the estate assets.
We contact people to ensure that they are aware that they could be beneficiaries in a given estate petition. We often find that the people we contact have very limited experience with probate matters, and more often than not, don’t even know they might be entitled to participate in an estate’s distribution.
This sounds like a scam.
Unfortunately, it often is. The promise of free money, especially if it is accompanied by a request for upfront payment, should raise a red flag for recipients of such offers. Arbor will never request for an upfront payment, as evidenced in its service agreement – where fees are strictly on a contingency basis.
Too often, as the company contacts potential clients, we discover that they have limited or no knowledge of their rights as potential beneficiaries of intestate estate petitions. In such cases, our ability together with that of our partnering attorneys will simplify the navigation of your state’s intestate laws and, hopefully, ensure your access to a distribution from an estate.
In addition, Arbor Prides is a bonded, insured and licensed company, incorporated in the state of Delaware, and with operations in Florida. Arbor also provides professional references for you as a potential client. To further ensure good faith, the company maintains a 2 million dollar Errors and Omissions insurance policy.
What would my share be?
Estate distributions are based on state laws, and these may differ slightly from state to state. There are two main distribution assignments when dealing with an estate with no identified will:
- Per stirpes – or also known by family relationship, and in which distributions can differ significantly based on the family structure (family tree), and
- Per capita – which results in an equal distribution independently of family relationships.
Based on this we can provide an indicative percentage distribution a client may be entitled to, but this amount may be impacted during the process should, for example, a will or additional heirs be found. Furthermore, estate values may increase or decrease during the process, and therefore Arbor usually will provide indicative information on what a client distribution or share could be.
How long do these processes take?
Generally speaking, this is a hard question to answer because each estate has its own realities. Many are very straightforward, while others may be contentious, or may change significantly during the process (as is the case when a will is found, and proven to be valid).
Our experience has been that a significant number of cases will be opened and closed in an 18- to 60-month window. Occasionally, they are completed sooner or later. As mentioned, each estate is a unique case, and therefore Arbor’s representation can ensure on-going information on the process, and provide clients with peace of mind.
Do I have any upfront costs or fees for services to be rendered?
No! All our fees are strictly covered on a contingency basis. If our services lead to a payout for our clients, we share in their success with a contractually agreed-upon percentage fee on the amount of the distribution they receive. Furthermore, there are no additional fees for the services of the attorneys with whom we partner. Their fees are paid out of the gross fee Arbor receives. Finally, Arbor reimburses clients for any costs they incur to produce specific documents (e.g. birth and death certificates, etc.) that may be required by the court to ensure that they are entitled to a distribution from the estate.
Will I have to pay taxes on this inheritance?
In most cases, unless the individual distribution exceeds the federal taxation threshold (currently at approximately $14 million in 2025), there are no federal taxes due on an inheritance distribution received by clients. There are currently six states that do require payment of state taxes on inheritance distributions. They are:
- Iowa
- Kentucky
- Maryland (has both estate and inheritance taxes)
- Nebraska
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
We do not give any legal or tax advise! Arbor is not an accounting or tax advisor, and therefore we recommend that each client, with related questions, reach out to the appropriate accounting, legal, or tax expert to discuss their individual realities in such matters.
Am I liable for any debts of the decedent?
You are never liable for any of the decedent’s debts. Arbor’s investigations are processed in the probate court systems and are in compliance with the court’s ‘creditors period’. Therefore, all of the decedent’s debts must be paid to any legitimate creditor, prior to any distribution to an heir or beneficiary.
Are you insured?
Arbor is a bonded, insured and licensed company. It provides professional references should they be needed. Additionally, the company maintains a $2 million Errors and Omissions insurance policy.
What happens after I sign my agreement and send the agreement to Arbor Probate Research?
Once you have agreed to work with Arbor by signing a representation agreement, you will receive a Welcome Letter, with any additional information that may be useful to your participation in the given estate. We will inform you of the attorney representing you in probate court, and you will be receiving copies of documents that will be filed on your behalf (e.g. an Entry of Appearance, identifying you as an interested party on the estate). We will be issuing periodic emails to keep you informed of progress regarding estate matters. Please note that the frequency may vary because each estate is a unique case with its particular characteristics.
You are always welcome to email us with any questions, comments, or concerns you may have. Our team is here to assist you in this journey.