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Your Inheritance Connection.
Since 1935, our mission has been to connect heirs to their lawful inheritance.

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American Research Bureau has been successfully connecting heirs with their
lawful inheritance since 1935. Our skillful research, knowledge of estate law
and proven investigative techniques have made us the trusted leader in
international probate research. In some cases, we also re-establish
long-forgotten family relationships. We don’t get paid until you do, therefore
we are highly invested in establishing and securing your inheritance as quickly
as possible. We look forward to earning your business and being your inheritance
connection.



Watch this video to meet some of the team members at American Research Bureau as
they explain what makes ARB able to help heirs receive their lawful inheritance:




American Research Bureau is A+ Rated by the Better Business Bureau and has
extremely positive reviews on Google. ARB is also associated with many
professional organizations.


American Research Bureau
153 Google reviews
Write a review
Bonnie Coben
8 May 2023
Friendly and responsive folks but the process took forever. Perhaps it would
have elsewhere as well.
 
Michelle Calhoun
6 January 2023
AMR was great at communicating and walking me thru their process. I am pretty
grateful there is a company who does this type of work to help get family
estates to next of kin.
Read more
michael roberts
4 January 2023
This group kept me informed ongoing I was given family info that I did not have
they made a fast payout very shortly after the court finalized its work
Read more
Barbara Broyles
11 November 2022
Just like everyone else, I too thought it was a scam. Turns out, it was very
real. Although it took almost 5 years, due to Covid and the NY court systems, it
finally came through. Also, yes there was a percentage, but again, a percentage
of something I wasn't expecting or would have known about at all. Great job ARB.
Thank you for the services you do.
Read more
Diane Granger
25 October 2022
2 years ago, I received a call from ARB. I thought it was a scam. The
representative was so pleasant and professional, she had my attention. She told
me I had a brother who had passed and how sorry she was. Then everything was
professionally handled for me and communicated to me. 2 years later ARB
delivered exactly what they said they would! I am over the top pleased!
Read more
Catherine Fierce
25 September 2022
Very unsure when they first contacted me but very happy I decided to. Great
company, Great communication
 
LeRoi Price
25 August 2022
Went fine. This is a very complicated legal issue and one that I could have
gotten bogged down in so I'm glad they handled it.
 
Brent Higbee
19 August 2022
I'm one of the biggest skeptics ever, but I looked them up and could tell they
are legit. They did a great job, kept me informed during the process, the
payment came through, and I love the genealogical chart they sent along with the
payment.
Read more
Jean Hurler
19 August 2022
If you're hesitant about going forward with American Research Bureau, I can
assure you that this company is legitimate. When my sister first contacted me to
let me know that ARB called her with info on our inheritance, I said, "Good luck
with that!" I thought it was a scam. I certainly didn't believe that we had an
inheritance coming to us, but we did. It took almost 2 years, but it worked out
in the end. I highly recommend ARB.
Read more
Hosanna Houser
19 August 2022
Being abundantly careful, I thought this was a scam at first. But once I read
the info they sent and then had a call, it became clear that it was not.
I had no idea I had this relative, was sorry to hear that I actually had been
living close to her before her death.
Yes, they take a percentage, but it is a percentage of money I was not
anticipating, so I viewed it as a win. They set everything up, so there was very
little effort on my end. Nothing but professional calls and emails during the
whole process, which was approximately two years. Besides receiving unexpected
money, and I got a family tree for a branch of my family I had almost no
information for, so it was all around a good experience for me.
Read more






HOW WE DELIVER YOUR INHERITANCE

Through our skillful research, knowledge of estate law and proven investigative
techniques, we are able to thoroughly build the best case for our heirs to
secure their lawful inheritance.




KEY STEPS IN THE PROBATE PROCESS


1. IDENTIFY

American Research Bureau (ARB) reviews thousands of matters to identify
situations where missing and unknown heirs need to be located.


2. RESEARCH

ARB relies on its research team – with more than 200 years of combined research
experience – to identify and locate lawful heirs.


3. CONTACT

ARB researchers contact potential heirs in a variety of ways, including by
phone, email, text, letters, or in person.


4. AGREEMENT

Heirs sign the Agreement and Assignment confirming terms of payment. ARB
receives payment only if and when clients receive their money.


5. DOCUMENT

ARB document specialists gather and organize essential documentation to
establish the legal relationship and entitlement of clients.


6. HEIRSHIP

If necessary, the court requires claimants to submit evidence of their
entitlement. The court reviews the documentation and issues an order declaring
the lawful heirs.


7. ACCOUNTING

Those in charge of the assets account for claims, income, expenses, taxes, gains
or losses on sales, etc. Proposed distribution from remaining assets is
presented to the court for approval.


8. DISTRIBUTION

Payment is made in accordance with each heir’s entitlement and the assets
available for distribution from the accounting. ARB is paid in accordance with
the Agreement and Assignment.



OUR TEAM


STEVEN SCHWARTZ

Managing Executive Director
Bio | Video


J. DANIEL SCHWARTZ

Executive Director - Research
Bio | Video


JOEL MIYASAKI

Research Manager
Bio | Video


MICHAEL ROBINSON

Research Manager
Bio | Video


NATHAN CROFT

Research Manager
Bio | Video


SOPHIE BARRON

Kinship Manager
Bio | Video


ALYSSA FONOIMOANA

Researcher
Bio | Video


AUBREY HEMINGWAY

Senior Researcher
Bio | Video


BARRY MILLER

Senior Researcher
Bio | Video


CAROLYN WEBBER

Researcher
Bio | Video


CATE BLOOMQUIST

Senior Researcher
Bio | Video


DANNY KERL

Researcher
Bio | Video


FORREST EMMETT

Researcher
Bio | Video


HAZEL SCULLIN

Researcher
Bio | Video


MEREDITH KENNEY-HOBBS

Researcher
Bio | Video


MITCHELL HALLER

Researcher
Bio | Video


MOLLY HANSEN

Researcher
Bio | Video


NATE ANDREW

Researcher
Bio | Video


SHAWN LARSEN

Researcher
Bio | Video


TROY ADAIR

Senior Researcher
Bio | Video
To view the full team
click here.


MANAGING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR


STEVEN SCHWARTZ

With over 30 years of experience in helping connect families with their rightful
inheritance, Steve has spent his career creating great customer experiences and
leading teams to maximize their potential. Steve joined ARB upon graduating from
Brigham Young University in 1992. A history major, he is blessed with an ability
to listen to people and relishes solving challenges. Much of Steve’s time away
from work is spent in activities with his family.


EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - RESEARCH


J. DANIEL SCHWARTZ

The senior of four Schwartz brothers, Dan serves as ARB Research Director. Dan
joined the company in 1987 while working on his business degree at Brigham Young
University. One of the foremost experts in the field of forensic genealogy, Dan
has testified as an expert witness in more than 75 estate proceedings throughout
the U.S. He counts among his greatest thrills solving difficult cases. Dan loves
boating, is an avid sports fan and youth sports coach.


RESEARCH MANAGER


JOEL MIYASAKI

Joel joined ARB after spending several years creating detailed family histories
for private clients. Joel has a master’s degree in American history and brings
exceptional research skills to his work as a Research Manager. He is
particularly adept at solving cases with family connections that are difficult
to establish and loves helping to ensure that ARB clients can claim their lawful
inheritances. Joel plays the French horn and is a self-confessed political
junkie.


RESEARCH MANAGER


MICHAEL ROBINSON

Mike has a long history with American Research Bureau, joining the team in June
2003. He has been Office Manager, Research Assistant, Researcher, Research
Manager, Research Director and is now Human Resources and Business Operations
Manager. Mike has a Business Administration and Management degree from Southern
Utah University. Mike enjoys making a difference in people’s lives. He also
loves to spend time outdoors, hiking, biking, and fishing across Utah’s
spectacular landscapes.


RESEARCH MANAGER


NATHAN CROFT

Nathan hails from the Pacific Northwest, where he studied journalism at the
University of Washington. He joined the ARB team early on in his career, and he
is especially gratified when he can secure an inheritance for someone who may
have otherwise been left out. Skilled in “big picture” thinking, Nathan pulls
together many different clues to solve difficult research puzzles. He enjoys
taking time to reflect while hiking in the nearby mountains, and while
completing woodworking projects.


KINSHIP MANAGER


SOPHIE BARRON

Sophie joined ARB in 2018, however, she is not new to the industry. Previously,
Sophie spent over 11 years in the industry in a variety of roles, including
court reporter, probate researcher, and case manager. Sophie enjoys providing
expert testimony and thrives on challenging research and problem solving,
helping families discover their past. A native of the Republic of Georgia,
Sophie’s passion is travel. She loves to explore other cultures, try new
cuisine, and make memories with her family. As a resident of New York City,
Sophie also enjoys attending Broadway musicals.


RESEARCHER


ALYSSA FONOIMOANA

Alyssa was born and raised in Eastern Washington on the banks of the mighty
Columbia River. She earned an Associate’s Degree from BYU-Hawaii and her
Bachelor’s degree in Family History & Genealogy from BYU. Alyssa then worked at
the Granite Mountain Records Vault digitizing records for Family Search. She
also spent time on Ancestry’s corporate research team. Alyssa loves the
rewarding feeling of locating a missing heir and connecting them to their lawful
inheritance as well as to lost family members. She counts attention to detail
and the ability to solve difficult research problems among her greatest skills.
Outside of work, Alyssa enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants with her
husband, reading, and playing board games with family and friends.


SENIOR RESEARCHER


AUBREY HEMINGWAY

Aubrey joined American Research Bureau’s research team in 2015. She is
passionate about connecting people with their lawful inheritances and has been a
dedicated genealogist for many years. Aubrey is fair, balanced, optimistic, and
leads with a positive attitude. Before joining the ARB team, she worked in Human
Resources. Aubrey enjoys any chance she gets to sing and dance. And yes, Aubrey
is related to Ernest Hemingway.


SENIOR RESEARCHER


BARRY MILLER

Barry has been with American Research Bureau for over 30 years. He approaches
everything with energy, enthusiasm, and speed. His honest, professional approach
has enabled him to connect thousands of unknown and missing heirs with their
lawful inheritance. Originally from Las Vegas, Barry is now an avid runner in
the Wasatch Mountains of Utah – sometimes competing in 100-mile trail races! He
also enjoys spending quality time with his family.


RESEARCHER


CAROLYN WEBBER

Carolyn was born in England then spent much of her childhood among the
alligators and snakes in rural Florida swamps. It was during this early phase in
her life that she fell in love with family history research. To pursue her
passion, Carolyn honed her skills by helping others with their genealogical
research. She later received a Family History & Genealogy degree from Brigham
Young University.  Carolyn is always excited to solve mysteries and make family
connections. She has established herself as a DNA Matchmaker, combining genetic
genealogy and traditional family history research to solve complex cases. A
mother of ten, Carolyn has a diverse set of interests, from hiking, biking, and
sailing, to sewing, quilting, and restoring furniture. She has lived and
traveled throughout much of the United States and abroad, and is happy to now
call Utah home.

Email:cjwebber@arb.com


SENIOR RESEARCHER


CATE BLOOMQUIST

Armed with a history degree from the University of Utah, Cate began researching
for ARB in 2000. In her work, Cate gravitates toward solving difficult research
problems. She enjoys the historical aspect of the cases she works, particularly
those involving immigrant families. Cate is an avid skier but traded in her
downhill skis for the cross country variety when she relocated from Utah to
Minnesota.


RESEARCHER


DANNY KERL

Danny was born and raised in Massapequa Park, NY. While attending Stonehill
College, he played goalkeeper for the soccer team and earned a B.A. in History.
Following college, Danny was a financial advisor for Prudential and then spent
eight years in operations with Goldman Sachs where he developed keen process
management, business intelligence, and team collaboration skills. Just prior to
joining ARB, Danny spent time honing his business development skills at a client
experience software company. Danny brings a passion for historical research and
a desire to create positive experiences for his clients to his work. He is
detail oriented and possesses strong technical skills. Outside of work, Danny
enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, skiing and hiking in the
mountains, and is an avid follower of NY sports and the English Premier League.


RESEARCHER


FORREST EMMETT

Forrest is a graduate of BYU with a degree in Family History and Genealogy.
During college, he completed several interesting internships, including an
internship in Norway at a museum and with the Chester Fritz Library at the
University of North Dakota. Prior to ARB, Forrest worked at Price Genealogy
solving complex family histories through DNA and tracing Scandinavian Genealogy
back to the 1700s. He is adept at using logic to examine a puzzle from every
angle until the right answer becomes clear. Forrest finds it thrilling to
discover family connections that have been lost or forgotten and he enjoys
helping ensure that estate inheritances go to all family members who should
rightfully inherit. Outside of work, Forrest enjoys spending time with family,
playing board and card games, juggling, playing the piano, and studying and
speaking the Norwegian language. He also edits a newsletter for the Solørlag of
America, a social group for people with ancestors from Southwestern Norway.


RESEARCHER


HAZEL SCULLIN

Research and genealogy are Hazel’s passions. Hazel has completed internships at
FamilySearch, the LDS Church History Library, and Family Locket Genealogists.
She was also a research assistant at the Neal A. Maxwell Institute of Religious
Scholarship and a Teaching Assistant in the Department of History while
completing her bachelor’s degree in Family History and Genealogy at Brigham
Young University. Hazel is particularly adept at solving complex research
problems and feels rewarded when helping clients claim their inheritance.
Outside of work Hazel enjoys traveling and all things Harry Potter.


RESEARCHER


MEREDITH KENNEY-HOBBS

Meredith graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor’s Degree in
Family History & Genealogy in 2022, and was thrilled to join the ARB team upon
graduating. During her time at BYU she worked on a project in conjunction with
the Army’s Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency in which she located next-of-kin
for soldiers who had died in past overseas conflicts. That project gave her a
love for descendancy research and ultimately led her to the American Research
Bureau! When she isn’t solving mysteries for ARB she can typically be found at
home enjoying life with her husband who shares her love for playing card and
board games, reading, pickleball, fishing, movies, laughing, and caring for
their four rabbits.


RESEARCHER


MITCHELL HALLER

A passion for helping his clients and being a resource they can rely on is what
led Mitchell to work at American Research Bureau. His focus and dedication on
finding a resolution that will benefit his clients is what drove him to work for
this reputable client focused firm. Mitchell received his MBA program from the
Jon M. Huntsman Executive MBA program and has  previously owned a successful
business. At ARB he felt comfortable using his client and research skills to
represent his clients with a strong and proven business while collaborating with
tenured genealogists that teach him every day. Mitchell enjoys spending time
with his family of six playing basketball and cheering on his favorite
basketball team.


RESEARCHER


MOLLY HANSEN

Molly earned a B.A. in Family History/Genealogy from Brigham Young University.
Throughout her educational career, Molly completed an internship at
FamilySearch, worked as a Teaching Assistant in the Department of History, held
many Research Assistant positions, ran her genealogy business, and was published
in BYU’s Thetean. One of Molly’s greatest passions is helping people connect
with their families, both alive and deceased. Outside of work, Molly enjoys
rockhounding, tending to her houseplants, and playing an inordinate amount of
card games with her family and friends.


RESEARCHER


NATE ANDREW

Armed with two master’s degrees, a PhD in Political Science, and over 10 years
in client facing roles, Nate decided to start his own genealogy business.
Fortunately ARB was able to join forces with Nate and utilize his exceptional
problem solving skills to locate missing and unknown heirs. Nate is highly
skilled at connecting the dots utilizing professional research techniques and
loves the collaboration and comradery with his teammates. Prior to joining ARB,
Nate spent time teaching English in China and has traced his ancestry back to a
Serbian great-great grandfather who was knighted by the Emperor of Austria.
Royalty indeed!


RESEARCHER


SHAWN LARSEN

Connecting with people and building trust has always been a strength for Shawn.
He loves sharing the good news of an inheritance with his clients. Shawn loves
spending time in the great outdoors, backpacking, camping, or spending time on
the water. He spent two amazing years serving the people of South Africa as a
missionary for his church. Prior to joining ARB, Shawn earned a Bachelor’s
Degree in Business Management from BYU-Idaho. During his education, Shawn had
the privilege of serving as a fishing guide in Juneau, Alaska. Following
graduation, he spent time hiring and training new teams across the country at
new store openings for a major retailer.


SENIOR RESEARCHER


TROY ADAIR

Another ARB veteran, Troy earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from
the University of Utah and a master’s degree in Asian studies from the
University of Washington. Troy joined ARB in 1991. He has been involved with
research throughout his ARB career and now serves as a Probate Researcher. Troy
comes by his research skill naturally, given that he has identified five
generations of his own family history. Troy enjoys cycling, hiking, and sailing
when he’s not chasing genealogical mysteries.


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