Texas Probate Research & Investigative Consultant – Independent Contractor

Job Overview

American Research Bureau is seeking an experienced Texas-based researcher or investigator for a 4–6 week project focused on better understanding the Texas probate and heirship landscape.

The primary responsibility will be to research how Texas probate cases are handled in practice and help identify records, case types, research sources, and processes that may present opportunities for probate and heir research.

The ideal candidate will be comfortable researching court filings, identifying potential sources of information, and speaking with knowledgeable professionals when appropriate.

The project will focus particularly on understanding how Texas handles estates involving unknown, missing, or difficult-to-locate heirs, how attorney ad litems become involved, how heir research is conducted, and where additional research or investigative resources may be used.

This position is well suited for someone with experience in Texas probate, investigations, genealogy, public records, courthouse research, or related legal work who enjoys figuring out how systems work and identifying information that may not be immediately obvious.

Responsibilities

• Research Texas probate and heirship procedures and how they operate in practice
• Identify probate records, filings, case types, and other public records that may provide useful information for identifying potential heirs or estate assets
• Investigate how estates involving unknown, missing, or difficult-to-locate heirs are handled
• Research the role of attorney ad litems and how heir research is conducted in these cases
• Investigate how and when attorneys, courts, investigators, genealogy firms, or other professionals may be involved in locating heirs
• Research independent administrations and other probate proceedings that may be difficult to identify through traditional methods
• Explore how real property and other significant assets may move through or outside of the probate process
• Identify potential research sources or approaches that may not be apparent from standard probate records
• Speak with court personnel, attorneys, investigators, or other knowledgeable professionals when appropriate
• Conduct independent research and follow promising leads to determine where additional opportunities may exist
• Document findings, sources, contacts, and recommendations for American Research Bureau
• Provide regular updates on research findings and areas that warrant additional investigation
• Develop recommendations for improving American Research Bureau's approach to researching Texas probate cases

Qualifications

• Experience with Texas probate, legal research, investigations, genealogy, public records, or related work
• Strong research and investigative skills
• Strong understanding of, or ability to quickly learn, Texas probate procedures
• Comfortable working independently and determining where to look for information
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to identify patterns, connections, and potential sources of information
• Comfortable communicating with court personnel, attorneys, investigators, and other professionals
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Comfortable using online databases, public-record systems, and other research tools
• Ability to document research findings clearly and accurately
• Basic computer skills, including downloading, saving, organizing, and sharing documents
• Reliable internet access
• Previous experience locating heirs, conducting genealogy research, or working with difficult-to-locate individuals is a plus

Additional Information

This is an independent contractor position for an initial 4–6 week exploratory research project.

American Research Bureau will provide background information on our business and the questions we are currently trying to answer, but the researcher will be expected to independently determine where to look, who to talk to, and what additional avenues of research may be worth pursuing.

We are looking for someone who can help us better understand how Texas probate works in practice and identify research opportunities, information sources, or processes we may be overlooking.

The project may involve courthouse research, online research, review of public records, telephone or email outreach, and conversations with professionals familiar with Texas probate.

The researcher will be expected to document significant findings and provide practical recommendations that can help American Research Bureau evaluate and improve its Texas research methodology.

Potential for continued work may be available after the initial 4–6 week project based on business needs and performance.

Job Type: Contract

Pay: $30.00 per hour

Language: English (Required)

Location: Texas

Work Location: Travis County Probate Courthouse 200 W 8th Street, Austin, TX 78701

Pay: $30.00 per hour

Expected hours: 5.0 – 10.0 per week

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Austin, TX 78701