Tips For Individuals With Missing Heirs

by erin on December 6, 2010

As we all grow older, it is comforting to know that someone will be there to carry on after we are gone. However, sometimes it appears there is nobody left but ourselves! Do not despair, however, as there are always ways to find your missing heirs.

The first and easiest way to find an heir is to look for a relative. Genealogy sites are wonderful starting points and the library is always helpful in pointing you in the right direction. If you look carefully, you will find cousins, nephews, and even grandchildren you never knew you had!

The advantage to this technique is that it can bring a family closer together. By meeting and befriending your kin, you also can learn more about yourself than ever before while enjoying the unique experiences of your newly found family. Be careful how you go about introducing yourself, however, as “long lost relative” scams are sadly common these days. Explaining that you are not here for money but to get to know your kin will help.

Sometimes the relatives you find may be unreceptive to the idea of meeting their long lost kin or they may be sadly departed. In this case, finding an heir can be as simple as making a new friend. Kind people you meet can be not just your best friends, they can take over for you when you are gone as well. Your favorite teacher, high school friend, or even your mail man can all be there for you in your time of need.

In this case, all you need to do is reach out and get to know these people. Being friendly can be strange at first if you are not used to it, but you can do it! Try asking them out for coffee or striking up a conversation about a television show you like. Little things can help you get to know them and, over time, you can even trust them enough to make them your heirs.

If you for some reason do not have any close friends nor want to make any, there are still other places that can inherit your old belongings. Charities are always in need of donations to help them keep going. Sometimes, item donations are just as useful as monetary ones. For example, a shelter for abused women will adore your old women’s clothing and dishes. The women trying to get on their feet will be happy for your old things, too!

When looking for a charity to give to, look for ones that you trust and that are doing work you believe in. From there, when you make out your will, write in that they will get possessions that you feel they could use. Do not leave one group everything as there as there is a strong chance they may not be able to use it. For example, an animal shelter would not have much use for your television set, even if the children’s hospital would love to have it.

It does not mater if you have had children, where you live, or how old you are. There are always others who are willing to care for things after you are gone if you just reach out and look around. Keep up hope and you can successfully complete a genealogical search.

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