Michael S. Ramage, J.D., Certified Genealogist®, is a Board-certified genealogist and licensed attorney, and is an expert in the field of missing and unknown heirs in real estate, estate and trust matters. Michael has over 30 years of professional research and writing experience, and access to numerous legal and genealogical databases and repositories, he teaches how to do this type of work - professionally, legally and ethically. Mr. Ramage has been qualified as an expert witness in the field of missing and unknown heirs. Michael S. Ramage, author of the “Forensic Specialization” and “Ethical Considerations” chapters in Professional Genealogy: Preparation, Practice & Standards,Elizabeth Shown Mills, editor (Baltimore, Maryland: Genealogical Publishing Company, 2018). In August 2019, he presented “Forensic Genealogy for Death & Dirt Lawyers” for the PBA Real Property, Probate & Trust Law Section.
NEWS: Michael and Catherine B. W. Desmarais, Certified Genealogist®, have teamed up to have published a book on forensic genealogy to be released in 2024. Please see the Forensic Genealogy Book tab.
In cases involving missing or unknown heirs, personal representatives or their counsel are required to exercise due diligence in the investigation made to find such heirs or beneficiaries. Qualified genealogists have been approved and given preference by courts to assist personal representatives and their counsel to meet this obligation. It is an improper conflict of interest for an heir finder to charge a contingent or percentage fee. The forensic genealogy book to be put out in 2024 by Mr. Ramage and Ms. Desmarais will help you understand the principles involving all of the major areas of forensic genealogy as well as the ethical considerations.
Mr. Ramage is not accepting any new forensic (law-related) clients at this time, but feel free to contact him for a referral to another forensic genealogist.
Michael S. Ramage, J.D., CG® Wynnewood, Montgomery County, PA Call: 484-437-8827 Email: MichaelRamageJD@gmail.com