25 CFR §15.106

1. (a)A probate case may be initiated when either:
   1. (1)Information is provided to us that an owner of an interest in trust or restricted land or trust personalty has been absent without explanation for a period of at least 6 years; or
   2. (2)We become aware of other facts or circumstances from which an inference may be drawn that the person has died.
2. (b)When we receive information as described in § 15.106(a), we may begin an investigation into the circumstances, and may attempt to locate the person. We may:
   1. (1)Search available electronic databases;
   2. (2)Inquire into other published information sources such as telephone directories and other available directories;
   3. (3)Examine BIA land title and lease records;
   4. (4)Examine the IIM account ledger for disbursements from the account; and
   5. (5)Engage the services of an independent firm to conduct a search for the owner.
3. (c)When we have completed our investigation, if we are unable to locate the person, we may initiate a probate case and prepare a file that may include all the documentation developed in the search.
4. (d)We may file a claim in the probate case to recover the reasonable costs expended to contract with an independent firm to conduct the search.