About Us
At Emrich International Probate Research Inc., we are proud to call Monterey, California home – with dedicated representatives also serving families and professionals on the East Coast and in the Midwest. Our mission is simple: to help locate missing or unknown heirs and confirm their rightful inheritance.
Our team combines deep U.S. experience with a truly global reach, helping heirs and estate professionals across the United States, Canada, Europe, South America, and beyond. As part of the family-owned Erben-Ermittlung Emrich Group, a leading German probate research firm founded in 2003, we bring international insight and trusted expertise to every case we handle.
Meet Our Team
Our team brings together historians, genealogists, and legal experts who share a common passion: helping families find the answers they deserve with compassion, professionalism, and integrity.
Thomas Emrich
President
Claudia Haessler
Vice President
Laura Scalzitti
Case Manager, East Coast
Mathias Conrad
Case Manager, West Coast
Delaney Campbell
Probate Researcher
Lena Galeano
Probate Researcher President
Thomas Emrich
As the founder and owner of the Emrich Group, Thomas leads with a deep commitment to service, integrity, and community.
His vision is to create a workplace where people feel valued and supported, while building something lasting for future generations.
Thomas believes that success comes from caring for both clients and employees — and that philosophy is at the heart of everything Emrich does.
Vice President
Claudia Haessler
Claudia holds a bachelor’s degree in History and a master’s in English Literature from Humboldt University in Berlin.
She joined Emrich in 2011 and quickly became an integral part of the company, mastering every aspect of probate research. Claudia built Emrich’s International Department from the ground up and continues to lead it with vision and passion. In 2018, she helped launch Emrich International Probate Research Inc. in the U.S., where she now steers its strategic and day-to-day direction with care and precision.
Case Manager, East Coast
Laura Scalzitti
A lifelong genealogist, Laura holds a master’s degree in Recreation, Sport and Tourism from the University of Illinois.
Before joining Emrich in 2024, she ran her own genealogy business for eight years, helping families uncover their ancestors’ stories. Her passion for family history and her thoughtful approach make her a trusted guide for clients navigating the probate process.
Primarily working on East Coast cases, Laura works closely with estate attorneys to ensure every client feels informed and supported every step of the way.
Case Manager, West Coast
Mathias Conrad
Mathias has been a probate researcher since 2014 and brings years of experience working within the California legal system.
He joined Emrich in 2018, where he instantly became known for his dedication, attention to detail, and genuine care for clients. Today, Mathias also serves as the Office Manager of Emrich’s Monterey location, helping ensure that our West Coast operations run smoothly.
He is passionate about accompanying families through the probate process – always with clarity, respect, and honesty.
Probate Researcher
Delaney Campbell
Delaney holds a bachelor’s degree in History and Anthropology from James Madison University and is currently pursuing a master’s in Genealogical, Paleographic, and Heraldic Studies.
Her enthusiasm for genealogy is contagious, and her careful research and curiosity bring new depth to every case she touches.
Delaney is driven by a true love for uncovering family histories and connecting people to their past.
Probate Researcher
Lena Galeano
Lena joined Emrich drawn by her curiosity about the legal side of the business but quickly discovered a deep passion for genealogy.
With a background in customer service, she brings warmth and efficiency to every client interaction.
Lena’s focus on both people and precision helps ensure that heirs and legal professionals alike receive exceptional attention and clear results.
Across the Ocean
Our International Department in Berlin steps in whenever an estate case extends beyond U.S. borders. They coordinate with our trusted partners and branches around the world to ensure every aspect of the research runs smoothly—whether that means overseeing inheritance proceedings abroad or working with local correspondents to gather essential information.
When important records or certificates are needed from another country, our international team also assists our documentation specialists in obtaining the vital documents required for the probate process. Their global experience ensures that even the most complex cross-border cases are handled efficiently and with care.
Nicholas Lang
Manager, International Department
Theresa Graham
Team Manager, USA
Maurice Besier
Team Manager, Europe
Saskia Thomas
Case Manager, International
Marena Genrich
Case Manager, International Manager, International Department
Nicholas Lang
Nicholas earned his Ph.D. in History with a focus on 20th-century diplomacy. He joined Emrich in 2014, bringing his expertise in global migration and historical research to help solve even the most complex probate cases.
Since 2019, Nicholas has co-managed the International Department, fostering collaboration with Emrich’s worldwide network of partners and researchers.
In 2022, he also began overseeing the Emrich Group’s business administration, ensuring that the company’s operations run smoothly and efficiently.
Team Manager, USA
Theresa Graham
Theresa has been part of the Emrich family since 2016. Known as the heart and soul of the international team, she combines exceptional research skills with genuine compassion for the people she helps.
Since 2023, Theresa has managed the U.S. branch’s operations, working closely with estate attorneys to make sure every client receives the inheritance they deserve – with empathy, transparency, and vigilance.
Team Manager, Europe
Maurice Besier
Maurice earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in History from Freie University Berlin. He joined Emrich in 2018 and now specializes in European research, working closely with international partners across the continent.
Maurice is known for his calm and caring approach, guiding heirs through complex probate proceedings with understanding, expertise, and professionalism.
Case Manager, International
Saskia Thomas
Saskia holds a bachelor’s degree in English & American Studies and a master’s in Transcultural History. After spending two years abroad, she joined Emrich in 2023 and soon became an essential part of our international team.
Known for her exceptional research skills and thoughtful client support, Saskia manages each case with dedication and clarity, always working toward one shared goal: locating every missing heir and ensuring they receive the inheritance that is rightfully theirs.
Case Manager, International
Marena Genrich
Marena earned her bachelor’s degree in Art History and Scandinavian Studies and later completed her master’s in Art History. She joined Emrich in 2019, first contributing her talents as a translator before becoming a valued member of our international research team.
Marena brings patience, precision, and a love for uncovering stories to even the most challenging cases. Her ability to unravel complex family histories makes her a proven expert for both colleagues and clients.