Our Team - The Heir Investigators

 

Heir search requires specialised knowledge, such as reading old manuscripts, but also sound historical background knowledge and competence in inheritance law. This is reflected in our team, which consists in particular of historians and lawyers. Above all, however, we are heir searchers with at least 10 years of professional experience each. Our promise is that each case will be handled by one or more experienced experts.

We work together because we are convinced that the more than 100-year-old profession of heir search must not remain stuck in the past, but must use all the possibilities of the 21st century. Our aim is to be fast yet thorough, serious yet modern. For you as an estate administrator and above all for the heirs we identify.

  • Jan-Mathis Holstein

    MANAGING DIRECTOR, Berlin


    As a historian with a focus on Eastern Europe, Jan-Mathis Holstein started working as an heir searcher over ten years ago and has since gained in-depth experience in all areas of business - not least as managing director at one of the largest companies in the sector.

    In 2020-2021, Jan-Mathis Holstein has accompanied the office of one of the Directors of the International Association of Professional Probate Practitioners (IAPPR), which he was directly involved in founding.

    Jan-Mathis Holstein has been a member of the International Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) since 2012.

    In 2023, Jan-Mathis Holstein was recognized for his outstanding achievements in the field of probate research at the UK Probate Research Awards, as he was in 2019 and 2021.

    APG profile page (external)

  • Alena Teuber

    AUTHORIZED OFFICER / COUNSEL, Berlin


    Alena Teuber is a lawyer, in-house counsel of the ADD HOLSTEIN Erbenermittlung GmbH and expert in the field of inheritance law and regarding all legal issues in the context of inheritance investigation.

    She has almost 15 years of professional experience as a legal advisor. In addition, Alena Teuber has successfully completed the specialist attorney course in inheritance law.

    Alena Teuber is a member of the Berlin Bar Association and the Inheritance Law Working Group of the German Bar Association. She is also a member of the German Association for Inheritance Law and Property Succession (DVEV).

    DAV profile page (external)

  • Dr Max Bloch

    GENEALOGIST Cologne


    Max Bloch has previously gained experience in other companies in the industry, including many years as branch manager. He is also familiar with complex international cases.

    In addition to investigating heirs, Max Bloch was active in many scientific fields and published two books on the life and work of Albert Südekum.

    Max Bloch is a member of the International Association of Professional Genealogists (APG).

    In 2023, Max Bloch was named "Best International Probate Researcher of the Year" at the UK Probate Research Awards.

    APG profile page (external)

  • Willi Marx

    GENEALOGIST Cologne


    Willi Marx obtained his master's degree in history at the University of Bonn and found his way to the field of heir search more than 10 years ago, after working at the Cologne Probate Court.

    For several years, he managed the processing of inheritance cases published in the Federal Gazette for one of the large companies in the industry and successfully resolved many international cases.

    Willi Marx is a member of the International Association of Professional Genealogists (APG).

    APG profile page (external)

  • Over 170 international colleagues - Our partner ADD Associés

    FRANCE, SPAIN, POLAND
    and in many other countries


    Our colleagues in France are also specialists in the field of heir search and support us in our work wherever possible: in international searches, in the provision of databases and in IT solutions.

    Website