Services & Fees

Services built around verifiable proof

We offer specialized research services designed to provide clarity and defensible documentation in family history and inheritance matters. Our evidence-first approach ensures that you have the reliable information you need to move forward.

Genealogical Research

Evidence-based lineage reconstruction, delivered with scientifically sound methods and transparent sources—especially when records are old, handwritten, or complex.

Genealogy reconstructs a specific person’s lineage (filiation) with the goal of producing an evidence-based family tree from documented sources. In Switzerland and most German communities, church registers were central until 1876 (often dating back to the late 16th/early 17th century), after which civil registry registers became the main source.

The challenge is rarely “finding a name.” It’s reading, validating, and connecting records correctly—especially when handwriting, gaps, name variants, or missing entries require specialized manuscript and source processing.

We take over

Comprehensive genealogical research
Selective research if you are stuck
Analytical support for specific problems
Genealogical reports for courts
House research in the canton of Zurich

Probate Research (Heir Tracing)

Identification of heirs and proof of inheritance rights in Switzerland—supporting estate administration up to distribution under statutory inheritance quotas.

In Switzerland, authorities are obligated (Article 555 Swiss Civil Code) to locate heirs. When direct relatives are no longer available, the search for distant heirs becomes significantly more complex: heirs may be called upon to report within one year, the inheritance claim must be proven with documents, and the loss of close relatives may need documentation.

We would like to point out that countries in which affiliated or cooperating companies operate have different legal regulations, such as the mandatory professional representation of heirs by lawyers or notaries in Austria, different parentage systems, and different tax regulations. For this reason, we generally recommend checking these possibly different legal regulations in other countries.

We provide

Identification of heirs
Proof of inheritance rights
Estate administration support up to distribution by statutory quotas

Representation model

We proactively search and contact eligible individuals.
No upfront payment for represented heirs.
We obtain needed documents at our expense (power of attorney required).
Fee only if inheritance is paid out (percentage-based).
No payout = no costs.

Power of attorney downloads for efficient cooperation

When formal authorization is needed, the right form removes unnecessary delay and helps cases move faster.

A clear workflow that keeps decisions defensible

We begin with your objective, define scope and constraints, then research and verify sources, and deliver structured documentation with transparent references—so stakeholders can act with confidence.

1
Intake and objective

Clarify what must be proven and what is already known (names, places, dates, documents)

2
Scope and constraints

Define direction, complexity, source availability, and urgency—so work stays efficient and purposeful.

3
Research and verification

Source processing and evidence handling, including old German manuscript work where required.

4
Documentation and delivery

Clear findings, transparent sources, and documentation designed for practical and formal use.

Transparent pricing for genealogy, reduced financial risk for probate

Clarity matters in research and in pricing. We use engagement models aligned to the service type and the realities of the case.

Genealogy

A transparent, non-binding quote is provided before work begins. Travel time and expenses are listed separately, and archive visits may be combined to optimise costs.

Quote-based

Probate

No upfront payment for represented heirs. Fees are charged only if an inheritance is actually paid out. If no payout is made, there are no costs. A power of attorney is required for document procurement handled at our expense

Success-based for represented heirs​

A success story of excellence in the Historikerkanzlei network

We operate as part of the Historikerkanzlei group—an international network active across Europe and the USA. This provides cross-border reach with local accessibility for complex, multi-jurisdictional cases
Years of experience
0 +
Experienced genealogists and researchers
0 +
Satisfied clients
20 K+
Millions of euros paid out to rightful heirs
100 +

Clear answers before you get started

These answers are designed to clarify scope, reduce uncertainty, and help you understand how Aicher, Nobs & Partner works in both genealogy and probate matters.

If your goal is to document ancestry, reconstruct a family line, solve a research dead end, or create a reliable family tree, the right starting point is usually Genealogical Research. If your situation involves inheritance, unknown heirs, proof of entitlement, or an inheritance-related letter, the relevant service is Probate Research. Both are evidence-based, but they are designed for different outcomes and different documentation needs.

Yes. This is one of the firm’s core strengths. Aicher, Nobs & Partner states that its research is carried out by historians specialized in old German manuscripts and source processing. That means older church records, difficult handwriting, and time-intensive archival material can be handled professionally and interpreted with the level of care these cases require.

A full project is not always necessary. The firm explicitly offers selective research for clients who are stuck in their own work, as well as analytical support for specific problems when targeted guidance is more useful than a broader assignment. This allows research to remain focused, efficient, and proportionate to the actual question being solved.

For genealogical research, fees depend on the scope, complexity, and urgency of the assignment. Aicher, Nobs & Partner states that it provides a transparent, non-binding quote before work begins, so the client understands the framework in advance. Travel time and expenses are listed separately, and archive visits may be combined where possible to optimize costs.

This is a reasonable question, and the probate model is designed to address exactly that concern. The firm explains that many people are unaware they may be entitled to inherit, so eligible individuals are proactively identified and contacted. For represented heirs, there is no upfront payment, required documents are obtained at the firm’s expense with power of attorney, and fees are charged only if an inheritance is actually paid out. If no payout is made, there are no costs.
Probate Research includes identification of heirs, proof of inheritance rights, and support for estate administration up to distribution according to statutory inheritance quotas. In practical terms, this means the service is not limited to locating possible heirs. It also supports the documentation and structure needed to help an inheritance matter move forward responsibly and clearly.
Yes. Aicher, Nobs & Partner states that it works through an international network of historians and genealogists and supports research beyond Switzerland. At the same time, the firm notes that different countries may apply different legal rules, including different parentage systems, tax regulations, or mandatory professional representation. Cross-border cases are therefore possible, but they must be approached with the right jurisdictional awareness.
Still unsure which service fits your case?