The death of a loved one brings enough stress without the added burden of untangling their financial affairs. Yet when someone passes away without a will, or with assets no one knew existed, the process of settling their estate becomes more complex. 

Where are the records?
Who is entitled to what?
How do you even know what’s missing?

That’s where an estate administration company comes in. However, not all of them are equipped to handle the unique challenges of unclaimed property or intestate estates.

If you’ve been contacted about a potential inheritance or you’re trying to navigate the estate of someone who died without a will, here are questions to ask to find a qualified company to help. 

Do they specialize in intestate estates and unclaimed property?

Not every estate administration firm has experience handling estates without a will. These cases require a deep understanding of state inheritance laws, probate procedures, and how to verify rightful heirs.

Make sure the firm is not only familiar with, but focused on, intestate estates and unclaimed property recovery. These cases aren’t straightforward. You need a team that knows how to handle the unknown.

Can they uncover assets that weren’t disclosed?

In many estates, especially those with no will, assets may be scattered, forgotten, or completely unknown to the family. There could be old life insurance policies, retirement accounts, pensions, or property that was never properly titled or claimed.

Ask how the company locates these assets. Do they rely solely on public probate records? Or do they use advanced tools and investigative methods to identify what might otherwise remain hidden?

How do they identify and verify heirs?

Without a will, there’s no named executor or beneficiary list. A strong estate administration firm should be skilled at genealogical research, able to trace family relationships, and prepared to work through legal channels to verify rightful heirs.

Ask what steps they take to confirm their findings—and how they protect heirs from disputes down the road.

Will they walk you through each step of the process?

When there’s no will and limited information, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. A reputable firm will explain the process in plain language, help you understand your rights, and provide a clear outline of what to expect.

Be wary of companies that are vague or evasive. Transparency builds trust, especially when you’re navigating unfamiliar territory.

Are they honest about fees, timing, and next steps?

In the world of unclaimed property, there are plenty of red flags to be aware of. A trustworthy company won’t rush you, pressure you, or bury the cost in legal jargon.

Instead, they’ll tell you up front what services they provide, how long the process may take, and what compensation they receive. Clarity is not optional—it’s essential.

Do they protect you from risk?

From legal compliance to heir disputes, intestate estates can trigger complex situations. The right firm will not only manage the process but shield you from missteps, ensuring that everything is handled legally, ethically, and with your best interest at heart.

Ask what guardrails they have in place. A credible firm will welcome those questions and answer them with confidence.

The Bottom Line

Estate administration for unclaimed property and estates without a will isn’t just paperwork. It’s detective work. It’s legal work. And above all, it’s people work, requiring precision, persistence, and compassion.

If you’re being asked to claim a part of an estate, or to navigate one without clear instructions, don’t settle for a one-size-fits-all solution. Ask the hard questions. Get clear answers. And work with people who are committed to getting it right.

Has EstateCo Contacted You? 

If EstateCo has contacted you, it’s not random. It’s because we believe you’re connected to an estate, and we’ve done the work to find you. We don’t take that lightly. Our team combines advanced asset research, genealogy,  legal knowledge, and a human-first approach to help rightful heirs claim what’s theirs.

If you’re entitled to an unclaimed asset, we can help you uncover it, one careful step at a time. Contact us today to speak with someone on our team and learn what this process could mean for you and your family.