When someone dies, money the State was holding for them does not disappear — it can be claimed by their rightful heirs. It is more involved than a standard claim, and we handle the heavy parts.
Unclaimed property belonging to someone who has died can be claimed by legal heirs or an estate representative. The person on the record is not you, so the State needs proof of the relationship and authority to act.
We do not assume a match means ownership. We confirm the property really belonged to your relative and identify the documents that fit the estate before anything is filed.
Under California Probate Code §13100, heirs can usually claim when the person’s total California personal property is $208,850 or less, as of April 1, 2025. A sworn affidavit and certified death certificate are typically required, plus a 40-day wait after death.
We do thisFor larger estates, or when a court is already involved, the authorized claimant uses Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration and, ultimately, a Final Decree of Distribution.
We do thisWe confirm the candidate, help identify the claim path, assemble the State’s required documents, and file and follow through. Every estate claim is reviewed by a person before anything is filed.
The applicable recovery fee is capped at 10% for state unclaimed property.
There is no upfront charge. A fee applies only if funds are recovered.
The Controller independently confirms the claimant’s relationship and authority.
Documents are collected through a secure upload process, not email.
Often yes, as a legal heir — with a death certificate and proof of relationship. The State must verify your authority before releasing funds.
Not always. Estates at or under $208,850 in California can usually use a small-estate affidavit instead, if the other requirements are met.
The small-estate affidavit requires a 40-day wait after the date of death.
Search for a candidate record first. We can help you understand what to verify next.