Heir research
For more than fifteen years,
Sanada Généalogie has established itself as the leading specialist in Africa for heir research.
We operate within administrative and cultural environments where every succession requires method, adaptability, and a precise understanding of local realities.
Our rigorous methodology, regional network, and deep knowledge of these practices ensure the reliable identification of beneficiaries, including in international cases.
A team of experts in probate genealogy in North Africa
Born in Rabat, Sanada Genealogy brings together a team of researchers and genealogists specialized in heir research across Africa. Present in Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, we operate within administrative and cultural environments where each case requires a tailored approach and a deep understanding of on‑the‑ground realities.
- In‑depth expertise in the administrative systems specific to each territory,
- Ability to operate directly on the ground, close to families and sources of information,
- A strong institutional and human network, mobilized to authenticate and secure documents,
- Mastery of cross‑border cases involving dispersed or unlocated heirs,
- A constant commitment to compliance, accuracy, and documentary reliability.
Sanada Genealogy intervenes where traditional approaches reach their limits, bringing the rigor, tenacity, and intercultural understanding required to establish heirs’ rights with certainty.
Our strengths for delivering reliable results
The local specificities that shape our research
The search for heirs in Africa takes place within legal and cultural environments where Islamic inheritance law plays a central role. In Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, rules of filiation, inheritance shares, and the presence of reserved heirs are governed by principles derived from Maliki fiqh, integrated into each country’s family code. These specificities require a precise understanding of local mechanisms: order of heirs, testamentary limits, administrative variations, and practices unique to each territory.
Our research often begins close to families, witnesses, and sources of information. This field presence, combined with our mastery of national legal frameworks, enables us to reconstruct complex lines of descent.
A strong regional presence: Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia
Our operations cover the whole of North Africa, in environments where administrative systems, territorial divisions, and civil‑status practices vary significantly. This regional presence allows us to act quickly, access local sources, and document each case with reliability.
A comprehensive support service, from investigation to legal security
We provide continuous oversight of each case: research, collection and validation of documents, reconstruction of family lines, communication with heirs, and coordination with international correspondents. Every step is carried out with rigor, transparency, and full respect for legal requirements.
The professionals we support
Sanada Genealogy works with professionals based abroad, including probate genealogists, notaries, lawyers, and property managers or institutions handling transnational cases. We also collaborate with individuals involved in an estate that includes a North African component.
Our local expertise provides an effective on‑the‑ground relay, precisely where procedures often encounter linguistic, documentary, or logistical obstacles.
Our services in probate genealogy
-
Heir research
We conduct comprehensive genealogical research to identify rightful heirs. Our field knowledge enables us to establish lines of descent with precision. -
Verification and certification of inheritance entitlement
In the absence of a will, inheritance follows the rules of devolution defined by the Civil Code. Sanada verifies and certifies the accuracy of the inheritance entitlement by identifying legitimate heirs, their rank, and their rights. -
Heir representation
We represent heirs before notaries, lawyers, and relevant authorities, ensuring their rights are upheld and supporting the smooth advancement of the case. -
Signature management
We organize and secure all required signatures (mandates, contracts, and authorizations) to streamline procedures and prevent administrative bottlenecks. -
Heir location
We rely on our regional network to identify heirs who are distant, unregistered, or living outside their country of origin. -
Verification of the absence of reserved heirs
We verify the existence or absence of heirs with reserved rights when required by law, conducting targeted and well‑documented research to ensure full legal security for the succession. -
Document search and retrieval
We obtain, verify, and authenticate civil‑status records and administrative documents, taking into account the specific requirements of each territory.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key legal specificities to know about inheritance procedures in Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia
The three countries apply inheritance law based on the principles of Maliki fiqh, incorporated into their respective family codes. Inheritance shares, the order of heirs, and the presence of reserved heirs are strictly regulated. These rules directly influence the search for rightful beneficiaries, the verification of reserved heirs, and the documentation of family lineage. We integrate these specificities at every stage of our investigations.
How do you intervene when heirs are dispersed or living abroad?
We mobilize our regional network and international partners to locate distant heirs, verify their identity, and secure all necessary information. Our on‑the‑ground presence allows us to confirm lineage and remove administrative obstacles, even when beneficiaries are spread across several countries.
How do you manage administrative differences between Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia?
Each territory has its own administrative channels, civil‑status practices, and local procedures. We work closely with institutions, archives, and local authorities to obtain, verify, and authenticate the required documents. This in‑depth knowledge of local practices is essential to securing each case.
Can you support an international probate genealogist
Yes. A large part of our work is carried out as an extension or relay of research conducted internationally. We provide on‑the‑ground understanding, access to local sources, and mastery of the relevant legal frameworks needed to complete or confirm investigations already underway.
How do you guarantee the reliability of the family links you establish
We systematically cross‑check all sources: civil‑status records, testimonies, local archives, administrative documents, and on‑the‑ground verifications. Each lineage is documented, authenticated, and fully compliant with the legal requirements of the relevant country. This level of rigor is central to our method.
Do you handle communication with the heirs?
Yes. We handle all necessary communication with identified or located heirs, including signatures, mandates, and authorizations. This management streamlines the work of notaries, lawyers, and international probate genealogists, ensuring smoother progress throughout the case.
Can you verify the absence of reserved heirs?
Yes. We conduct targeted research to confirm whether reserved heirs exist or not, in accordance with local inheritance rules. This step is essential to legally securing the succession and preventing any future dispute.
Do you intervene exclusively in matters of succession?
Yes. Our work is dedicated exclusively to probate genealogy: identifying heirs, locating them, representing them when required, verifying reserved heirs, obtaining official documents, and securing family lineage.
Contact us
Are you dealing with an estate that requires research in Africa?
Sanada Généalogie supports you with professionalism, discretion, and efficiency. Whether you need to identify an heir, verify a devolution, or represent a beneficiary, our team is here to assist you.