We've been contacted by a private investigator who will represent us as heirs to a relative who died intestate, in exchange for 25% of our portion of inheritance. Is this legitimate? Do we need them to represent us?
IT depends. Do you know of any of your relatives who died? If so, it would be a great deal cheaper to follow it up on your own. It is doubtful anyone would come to you and offer to help you find money for 25% of what they found, if they hadn't already found it. If it's "missing money" then most states have a statutory cap on how much people can charge you to find it. It's a lot less than 25%