American Research Bureau

American Research Bureau Since 1935, American Research Bureau has been finding missing and unknown heirs. We are never paid unless the assignment is succesfully completed.

Founded in 1935, American Research Bureau (ARB) has succesfully reunited thousands of heirs and beneficiaries worldwide with their rightful inheritance. With offices located in Salt Lake City, Los Angeles, New York, and Fort Lauderdale, our extensive global network of professional genealogists and probate researchers are qualified to handle any research assignment. We provide free preliminary case

evaluations for attorneys and estate administrators responsible for ensuring every beneficiary is accounted for. In 1991, ARB relocated its research operations from Los Angeles to Salt Lake City allowing us convenient access to the renowned Family History Library, which holds the largest collection of genealogical records in the world. Our team includes multilingual researchers and investigators who have an extensive breadth of knowledge of forensic genealogy and are well-versed in the complexities of state intestacy laws. Our experience and access to contemporary records allows us to provide efficient and effective representation to our clients, resulting in a relatively stress-free process. We align ourselves with lawyers who have a proven track record in probate matters and are ranked by their peers for the highest level of professional excellence (AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rating by Martindale-Hubbell® ). The quality of our research and the comprehensive documentation assembled for each case, have allowed us to consistently obtain favorable court decisions for thousands of satisfied clients. Most of all, our standards of integrity, professionalism, and dedication to client services meet the high ethical standards we set for ourselves in the representation of our clients in court. We utilize a variety of internal quality controls to facilitate effective delivery of information to clients, lawyers, courts, and foreign correspondents. Because every case is unique, our fees are flexible and structured to meet the needs of each individual case. Competitors often charge for "results" which can mean being paid even when no heirs are identified. ARB does not recommend hourly fees to be paid whether research is successful or not; hourly fees prolong the research phase and provide no true incentive to conduct comprehensive research. We are dedicated to providing highly individualized personal service to help our clients obtain their rightful inheritance. For courtesy evaluations or more information, please call 1-800-628-7221

03/23/2026

We’re Hiring!
Join our team as a Genealogical & Probate Researcher and help connect families to their rightful inheritance. If you have a passion for research and discovery, we’d love to hear from you!
Apply now at arb.com
You can also find the full job listing on Indeed.

American Research Bureau Celebrates 90 Years in Business with Legacy Award and Chamber RecognitionSalt Lake City, UT — A...
09/05/2025

American Research Bureau Celebrates 90 Years in Business with Legacy Award and Chamber Recognition

Salt Lake City, UT — August 28, 2025 — American Research Bureau (ARB), a pioneer in genealogical and probate research, proudly celebrated its 90th anniversary with a commemorative event held at its Salt Lake City headquarters on Thursday, August 28th.

In recognition of nearly a century of service, the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce presented ARB with a Statement of Support and a prestigious Legacy Award during the celebration. These honors were awarded to Steven Schwartz, President of American Research Bureau, acknowledging the company's enduring contributions to the legal, financial, and genealogical fields across generations.

“We are honored to celebrate this milestone with our dedicated employees, partners, and the Chamber,” said Schwartz. “Ninety years of helping families uncover their rightful inheritance is a testament to our team’s commitment, resilience, and expertise.”

Founded in 1935, American Research Bureau has established itself as a national leader in locating heirs and resolving complex probate matters. With a legacy rooted in integrity, accuracy, and innovation, ARB continues to provide critical services that connect families with their legal entitlements.

The 90th anniversary celebration brought together current employees, friends of the firm, and community partners to reflect on the company's history and look forward to the future of genealogical research and estate services.

About American Research Bureau
American Research Bureau (ARB) specializes in genealogical and probate research, helping attorneys, fiduciaries, and beneficiaries navigate the complexities of intestate succession and heir location. With nearly a century of experience, ARB is committed to excellence, accuracy, and compassion in its services.

07/25/2025

We’re Hiring!

Join our team as a Genealogical & Probate Researcher and help connect families to their rightful inheritance. If you have a passion for research and discovery, we’d love to hear from you!

Apply now at arb.com
You can also find the full job listing on Indeed and LinkedIn.

07/03/2023

Here's a review from Arnold K. in Virginia:
My relationship with the American Research Bureau started when they informed me that a relative of mine had recently passed away and that I might stand to inherit some money from his estate. In exchange for a small share of any proceeds that I would receive from the estate, they provided legal assistance and genealogical research to support my claim. They told me what information I needed to send them to legally establish my claim. They filed all the necessary paperwork with the various legal authorities. The lawyer responded to all questions that I had regarding where we stood in the process and how long it might take. I am more than pleased with the integrity of ARB and their lawyer and with the outcome of my case.

Thanks for the review Arnold!

American Research Bureau is happy to hear from our clients when the probate process is finally complete. Here's a recent...
05/16/2023

American Research Bureau is happy to hear from our clients when the probate process is finally complete. Here's a recent thank you note from a case that took 6.5 years in the New York court system.

You can see many more letters from our decades of work here:
https://www.arb.com/client-testimonials/letters-of-recommendation/

Here's another new testimonial from an ARB client in Connecticut:Thank you for your email and for the family chart.Also,...
02/22/2023

Here's another new testimonial from an ARB client in Connecticut:

Thank you for your email and for the family chart.

Also, thank you for helping to pursue the matter involving my uncle’s estate.

I had serious trepidations regarding the credibility of the initial outreach by ARB. The degree of my suspicions being commensurate with today’s endless barrage of fraudulent invitations together with my understanding of technology and “contemporary business models,” among other things.

Thanks to you and Attorney Prager for bringing this matter to its conclusion. As I’d mentioned to Mr. Prager, I feel saddened to be reminded that part of the family had splintered to such an extent that I only learned of Allen’s passing through this process. My family and I will do our best to honor Allen as we appreciate having received this unexpected inheritance.

Wishing you continuing success with your efforts at ARB.

We love helping people receive their lawful inheritance, including Shelly, whose inheritance journey has just started:"I...
01/17/2023

We love helping people receive their lawful inheritance, including Shelly, whose inheritance journey has just started:

"I returned the initial phone call I received from Danny Kerl who left me information as to why he was calling. When I returned his call, I spoke with a different gentleman as Danny was out due to the holidays. He was friendly, informative, and explained why American Research Bureau was contacting me. So far, the process of steps I have needed to take on my end were easy to do. Hopefully, this process will be as easy all the way through."

Check for more recent testimonials here:

[...]Read More... from Client Testimonials

"Thank you so much ... for taking on the research of finding all the heirs associated with my cousin, who I hadn't kept ...
09/20/2022

"Thank you so much ... for taking on the research of finding all the heirs associated with my cousin, who I hadn't kept in touch with for 60 years. I couldn't believe you found me. This inheritance has brought so much happiness to my family."

We're so glad to be able to help rightful heirs receive their inheritance!

"It's really something," says satisfied ARB client, "to pay a finder's fee with someone else's money, and then receive a...
08/18/2022

"It's really something," says satisfied ARB client, "to pay a finder's fee with someone else's money, and then receive a substantial dollar amount. Thank you." He acknowledged ARB's ongoing work throughout the probate process as essential to his family's inheriting: "This would not have happened without your company taking all required actions."

Case examples help illustrate the importance of our services.Estate of Joyce A. SchallerA sister of the decedent claimed...
08/18/2022

Case examples help illustrate the importance of our services.
Estate of Joyce A. Schaller
A sister of the decedent claimed to be the only heir. ARB investigated and found another sister. Because the sisters were from different mothers, the first sister absolutely rejected the claim of the ARB client. Although it took months to conduct the necessary court actions, have depositions taken, and locate all the documentation, ARB was able to succeed on behalf of the client who did receive her share of the estate.

Additional case examples: https://www.arb.com/testimonials/case-examples/

Address

2386 E Heritage Way
Salt Lake City, UT
84109

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 5:30pm
Thursday 9am - 5:30pm
Friday 9am - 5:30pm

Telephone

+18006287221

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