Estate of Wright

John E. Boessenecker, San Francisco, for Objector and Respondent.

An heir hunter locates a missing or lost heir. As consideration for information concerning the inheritance, the heir executes an assignment giving the heir hunter a percentage of the inheritance. She also signs, but later revokes, a general power of attorney in favor of the attorney who represents the heir hunter. She also refuses to sign a letter authorizing the attorney to represent her even though the heir hunter agreed to pay the attorney's fees.

We hold that under these circumstances, the heir hunter's assignment is valid. We also conclude that the general power of attorney in favor of the attorney contravenes public policy and is void.

Dorothy Ann Gunning appeals an order denying a petition to invalidate an assignment of her interest in the estate of Edward Henry Wright to an heir hunter, or alternatively, to limit the heir hunter's compensation. (Prob.Code, §§ 1303, subds.(g), (h), 11604; Estate of McPherson (1949) 90 Cal.App.2d 17, 20 , 202 P.2d 565 .) [1] We affirm.

On July 5, 1999, Edward Henry Wright died intestate. Wright, a widower, had no children but three siblings survived him.…