Our fees
ADD Associés' fee model is designed to guarantee transparency, security and fairness for both heirs and the professionals who instruct us.
Depending on the nature of the assignment, two fee structures are provided for by our profession.
Proportional fees
This fee structure applies when our research enables us to reveal to an heir the existence of their rights, or to substantiate their succession rights when these have not yet been established.
How are they calculated?
Proportional fees correspond to a percentage of the net share due to the heir – that is, after payment of inheritance tax and costs related to the settlement of the estate. This percentage varies according to:
- the degree of kinship,
- the complexity of the research,
- the size of the estate.
These fees are set in a clear and transparent manner in the disclosure agreement or the rights substantiation agreement signed by the heir.
What ADD Associés’ fees guarantee to the heir
- No upfront costs.
- Results-based remuneration: fees are only due upon actual receipt of the inheritance share.
- No financial risk: if the estate is in deficit, ADD Associés bears all costs incurred.
We take full responsibility for all research, travel, investigations and administrative steps required to establish or confirm a succession devolution.
Fixed Fees
This fee structure applies when a professional instructs us to conduct genealogical research in order to confirm and validate a succession devolution in favour of known heirs.
How are they calculated?
The fee is set in advance, based on the complexity of the research, the volume of investigations required and the value of the estate.
What does this mean for the notary and the heirs?
- Transparent remuneration, defined before any work begins.
- Full legal liability assumed by ADD Associés upon certification of the devolution.
| A clear legal framework and a regulated practice Our fees fall within the legal framework defined by Article 36 of Law No. 2006-728 of 23 June 2006. |
Frequently asked questions
A succession genealogist intervenes to identify, locate and secure the rights of heirs. They engage their legal liability and bear full responsibility for all research required to establish or confirm a succession devolution. Their remuneration reflects the work carried out and the guarantees provided.
No. At ADD Associés, no heir we locate pays anything upfront. Fees are only due in the event of a favourable outcome – that is, only if you actually receive a share of the estate.
You bear no financial risk whatsoever. If the liabilities exceed the assets, ADD Associés assumes all costs incurred (research, travel, investigations, etc.).
Because when we contact you, you are not yet aware of your rights. The disclosure agreement informs you of:
- the existence of an estate,
- your potential rights,
- the applicable fees,
- the guarantees you benefit from.
It has been recognised by case law since 1866 and clearly and transparently sets out the terms of remuneration for our genealogical study.
Yes! You are entirely free to accept or decline the agreement.
Because until you are identified as an heir, the notary is legally unable to share any information about the estate with you. The disclosure agreement is what allows you to be recognised as a rightful beneficiary.
They correspond to a percentage of the net share due to the heir, after payment of inheritance tax and costs related to the settlement of the estate. This percentage depends on the degree of kinship, the complexity of the research and the value of the estate.
They cover:
- genealogical research,
- travel, enquiries and investigations,
- the preparation of the legal file,
- the liability assumed by ADD Associés,
- support from a dedicated expert throughout the settlement of the estate and until your inheritance share is paid out.
It is an amount set in advance, charged when a notary instructs us to confirm a succession devolution or verify that no heir has been overlooked. It depends on the complexity of the research and the volume of investigations required.
Yes. The profession is governed by:
- Article 36 of the Law of 23 June 2006,
- established case law on the disclosure agreement,
- the ethical obligations and certifications to which ADD Associés adheres.
A third-party account is a secure bank account strictly separate from ADD Associés’ operating accounts. It is held with the Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations, an independent public body.
The third-party account is used to receive estate funds intended for heirs, to ensure that these sums are protected, traceable and never mixed with the company’s finances. It guarantees that heirs receive exactly what is owed to them.