How to Find Out If Someone Left You Money After They Died

Did so happen in your family that a loved one died, and you have no idea if they left something for the family?

It is quite common when heirs to be unaware of the inheritance they’ve been left with when a loved one dies. This concern is even stronger when they have poor financial records or have never updated their Will. In most instances, unclaimed money is left in the estate because of ignorance, highlighting the importance of timely Will creation and open communication.

It is crucial to make your Will on time and update its information periodically. At the same time, informing your family about it and talking about money with them goes a long way. When your money remains unclaimed even after your death, it is classified as unclaimed funds of your estate, and a lot of money can be lost when your family could greatly use the cash. In general, such unclaimed funds are either frozen or transferred to the government, which prevents the rightful heirs from claiming or accessing their inheritance.

So, if you’re here looking for a solution to find out if a loved one has left you money, this blog is just what you need. Read through the blog to learn about ways you can search for unclaimed money from a loved one.

Talk to their attorney

If you’re a spouse, child, or partner of the deceased, it is in your authority to hire a private investigator or talk to the attorney of your loved one. Estate attorneys usually keep and maintain confidential documents of assets and beneficiaries, and thus are an effective source of information about inheritance.

This process is easier than writing a Letter of Administration. However, this is only feasible if you are a close relative of the deceased. If contact with the attorney is impracticable, certain jurisdictions permit a request for probate information from court clerks who possess official Will and estate files and records.

Go online

One way to avoid court visits to find out about any unclaimed inheritances is to go online and look for probate records. Many sites offer you such information in exchange for a fee.  Government portals or unclaimed property databases are usually free or cheaply available, and are often used to verify and secure assets.

Conduct thorough research and look into a reputable site for the information. This is a fine solution, but vulnerable to scams. To prevent fraudulent schemes, one must always use verified official portals, like government unclaimed property websites.

Look into your accounts

Even if it’s not concerning any legalities, here are some Words of Wisdom: keep a list of all your accounts along with your Will and other estate documentation.

This not only makes things easier for you in the future but also informs your heirs about where to look in times of the unfortunate. Tell your attorney or a trusted friend/partner about the place where you keep all the documents, perhaps a safety box.

Additionally, make sure to include the checking, brokerage, and savings accounts, and your stocks, bonds, savings bonds, life insurance policies, accidental death policies, pensions, etc., that you want to hand over to your family. For instance, many investment accounts have beneficiary designations that bypass probate but require clear documentation to claim.

Remember, if your family is unaware of such assets, the court may take control of all these funds and potentially allocate them for government use. Clear Documentation and notification to heirs should also be done to prevent estate funds from remaining unclaimed.

Contact the office of the court clerk

Forget about assets; you may not know if your loved one left a Will. Whenever you file a Will, it becomes a public document. This implies that after the testator’s death (owner of the Will), you can contact the clerk’s office and check the Will records. Probate validates the Will, and the clerks of the court keep the records that are readily available to people having legitimate interests.

In certain cases, you may even be sent a mail copy of the Will from the clerk’s office. Of course, you’d have to pay a fee for that! This clarifies details about the distribution of inheritance that heirs never knew about.

Tax returns

Almost every year, there are billions of unclaimed tax refunds at the tax office. You could use online tools to check if you owe any tax refunds. Make sure that you look for government websites so that you know it’s legit. Another asset that beneficiaries can explore is an inheritance that may include unclaimed tax refunds left by the deceased. 

Understanding the process of probate and its function

Probate is the formal legal process used to validate a Will and authorize the executor or personal representative to manage and distribute the assets of the deceased. It makes sure that all debts, taxes, and expenses of the deceased are paid off before legally transferring the property to the heirs or beneficiaries to prevent delays and disputes in the inheritance process.

For illustration, suppose a person dies leaving certain property, securities, or bank accounts, the probate court will determine the validity of the Will and authorize the Executor to distribute the assets. The probate proceedings assist heirs in establishing a clear and legal title to the property, which protects their rights.

Common Questions About Inheritance Claims

Q: What should I do if I suspect unclaimed inheritance belongs to me?

A: If you suspect unclaimed inheritance, begin by searching public probate records and government unclaimed property databases. Next, identify and contact the institution or agency holding the assets to understand their claims process. Provide valid proof of your identity and relationship to the deceased when claiming. Consulting professionals specializing in estates can help you navigate requirements and ensure a successful claim.

Q: How long do I have to claim my inheritance?

A: Claim periods to claim your inheritance vary by jurisdiction, but generally range from one to six years after the date of death or the start of probate proceedings. Some regions allow claims beyond this, while others permanently forfeit rights if claims are not made within the legal timeframe. Acting promptly after discovering a potential claim is essential to avoid losing your inheritance rights. Always consult local laws or a legal professional to confirm deadlines applicable to your situation.

A Will is an Answer to All Problems!

The sole purpose of a Will is to plan all your assets according to your wishes after your death. These assets let your loved ones stay assured that their future is secure. So, draft your Will on time, consider all your assets and beneficiaries, and keep your family informed about it is crucial.

Need help with your Will? AasaanWill is ready to fulfill all your Will requirements, as it offers expert Will-drafting services tailored to your needs, thereby ensuring your estate is securely planned and your family is conveniently protected. For any professional consultation or drafting of a Will, we are at your service. Ring us today!

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