Claiming your rightful property can often come with a lot of paperwork. Logistically, it makes sense. Unclaimed property laws are needed to help protect abandoned assets until they can be reunited with their legitimate owners or heirs. Still, while these laws are designed to safeguard items, gathering the proof requirements needed can prove a significant hurdle — especially for heirs dealing with estates that lack clear documentation.

At EstateCo, we specialize in navigating these challenges, ensuring heirs and beneficiaries have the support they need to claim what’s rightfully theirs.

How to Prove Ownership of Unclaimed Property

When an individual passes away without an updated will or estate plan, their assets, including real estate, financial accounts, or insurance policies, can end up in probate or even state custody as unclaimed property. To claim these assets, potential heirs must provide legal proof of ownership, which often requires navigating: 

Legal Heirship Documentation

Establishing a direct connection to the deceased through birth certificates, marriage records, and family trees.

Estate and Probate Filings

Navigating complex probate procedures to legally confirm inheritance rights.

Property Records and Liens

Proving ownership of real estate or financial assets, sometimes requiring the resolution of liens or title disputes.

Unfortunately, many heirs run into roadblocks due to missing records, unclear legal status, or disputes between multiple claimants, making the process extremely difficult to navigate without help.

Why Proof Requirements Are So Challenging

Incomplete or Missing Documentation

One of the biggest obstacles for heirs is the lack of clear documentation proving their relationship to the deceased. Many families don’t have original birth certificates, marriage records, or other necessary legal documents, making it challenging to verify inheritance claims.

How EstateCo Helps: Our genealogists specialize in building family trees, helping to retrieve records, and providing the necessary evidence to establish rightful ownership.

Strict Legal Standards

Even if an heir has a valid claim, probate courts and state agencies require extensive documentation and legal validation before approving the transfer of assets. While this process can be frustrating, it is ultimately designed to protect rightful heirs and prevent fraudulent claims. However, the legal hurdles can be especially difficult for distant relatives or heirs with complex family histories.

How EstateCo Helps: Our legal team works directly with probate courts to ensure proper filings and documentation, streamlining the approval process for heirs.

Heirs Who Don’t Know They Have a Claim

Many rightful heirs never realize they are entitled to unclaimed assets, especially if they were not in contact with the deceased or if the estate wasn’t handled properly. As a result, assets can remain in limbo for years because potential heirs don’t come forward.

How EstateCo Helps: Our investigators locate and verify heirs, ensuring they are informed of their potential inheritance and guiding them through the legal process.

Confusing Probate and State Laws

Each state has its own set of probate and unclaimed property laws, making it difficult for heirs to understand their rights and responsibilities. Without expert guidance, many claims are denied or delayed due to procedural errors.

How EstateCo Helps: We handle the complexities of probate and state regulations, ensuring every step is completed correctly and efficiently.

The Risks of Navigating the Process Alone

Many heirs attempt to handle the unclaimed property process on their own — only to face months or even years of delays, legal complications, and missing documentation. Without proper support, rightful heirs may:

• Struggle with paperwork and deadlines – Missing a required form or document can lead to claim denial.
• Face unexpected costs – Hiring attorneys, gathering records, and resolving estate debts can become expensive.
• Encounter legal disputes – Multiple claimants or unclear documentation can cause probate delays or inheritance conflicts.

At EstateCo, we remove these burdens by managing the entire process—at zero upfront cost to heirs. We only get paid from the estate’s proceeds once the claim is successfully settled.

How EstateCo Simplifies the Process

Genealogical Research & Proof of Heirship

EstateCo genealogists track down missing records and build the legal case needed to prove rightful inheritance. Whether it’s uncovering long-lost birth certificates and marriage records or reconstructing complex family histories, we specialize in connecting the dots that establish legal heirship.

Legal & Probate Assistance

We navigate complex probate laws, ensuring the estate is processed correctly and efficiently.

Asset Claiming & Title Resolution

From financial accounts to real estate, we handle all necessary documentation to secure ownership transfers.

No Upfront Costs, No Risk

We cover all estate-related costs and are only compensated from the estate’s proceeds once the claim is settled.

Unclaimed Property Questions: What Heirs Commonly Ask

Q: How long does the unclaimed property claim process take?

A: It depends on the complexity of the claim, the state’s processing time, and the quality of documentation. Some cases wrap up in weeks, while others can take months (or longer). Need help speeding things up? That’s where we come in.

Q: What if I know there’s unclaimed money out there but can’t find it?

A: You’re not alone—this happens more often than you’d think. Between outdated databases, missing records, and bureaucratic hurdles, tracking down assets can be frustrating. Here’s why it happens — and some tips on what you can do about it).

Q: Do I really need a professional to help me claim unclaimed property?

A: Technically, no—but unless you love digging through probate files, deciphering legal jargon, and playing phone tag with government agencies, having expert help makes a big difference. We handle the heavy lifting, so you don’t have to.

Q: How do I know if I’m actually entitled to an unclaimed asset?

A: If you have a legal connection to the original owner — whether as an heir, beneficiary, or past account holder — you may have a claim. The trick is proving it. That’s where we shine.

Get Expert Help with Your Claim

If you or someone you know is struggling to prove ownership of unclaimed property, don’t let documentation hurdles stand in the way. EstateCo has helped connect countless heirs with their rightful inheritance — without the stress and uncertainty of going it alone. 

Reach out to our team at any time with any questions you may have — we’re happy to help you gain clarity into the estate management process.