Can I Claim Unclaimed Property for My Deceased Mother?
Losing a parent is an emotional journey filled with grief, reflection, and often, a mountain of legal and financial paperwork. Amid the many responsibilities that fall on the shoulders of surviving family members, one question that frequently arises is:
“Can I claim unclaimed property for my deceased mother?”
The short answer is yes — in California, you can claim unclaimed property that belonged to your deceased mother. However, the process involves specific documentation and legal procedures that must be carefully followed. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, step by step.
What Is Unclaimed Property?
Unclaimed property refers to financial assets or tangible items that have been left inactive, forgotten, or abandoned by their rightful owner for a period of time. Businesses, banks, and government agencies are legally required to turn over such property to the California State Controller’s Office if they are unable to contact the owner after a period of inactivity (usually 3 years).
Common types of unclaimed property include:
• Dormant bank accounts
• Uncashed checks
• Stocks and dividends
• Life insurance proceeds
• Safe deposit box contents
• Refunds, rebates, and royalties
If your mother had any of these assets and did not claim them before she passed, they might have been transferred to the state’s unclaimed property division.
Step 1: Search for Unclaimed Property
The first step in claiming unclaimed property is determining whether any exists under your mother’s name.
You can search for free by visiting the California State Controller’s Office Unclaimed Property Search.
Alternatively, you can use Claim My California Property — a user-friendly resource designed to help Californians identify and recover unclaimed assets.
When searching:
• Use your mother’s full legal name, including maiden and married names.
• Try alternative spellings and name variations.
• Input any previous addresses to narrow down results.
• Check for assets in other states where she may have lived.
Step 2: Determine Your Relationship
To claim property on behalf of your deceased mother, you must prove a legitimate relationship to her. This typically means being her child, spouse, or other legal heir. If you are the executor of her estate, the process is often more straightforward.
Step 3: Gather Required Documentation
This is a critical stage in the process. To validate your claim, you will need to provide several documents. These generally include:
✅ Proof of Identity (for you):
• A government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver’s license or passport)
• Social Security Number verification (e.g., Social Security card or tax documents)
✅ Proof of Relationship:
• Your birth certificate showing your mother’s name
• Marriage certificate (if applicable, and your name has changed)
• Legal documents establishing your relationship if you’re not a direct descendant
✅ Your Mother’s Death Certificate:
You must submit a certified copy of the death certificate to verify she is deceased.
✅ Proof of Ownership:
• Any documents linking your mother to the unclaimed property (bank statements, tax forms, stock certificates, etc.)
• If available, proof of her previous addresses
✅ Estate Documentation:
If probate was opened:
• A copy of the will or trust
• Letters of administration or testamentary
• Final court distribution orders
If probate was not opened:
• A Small Estate Affidavit or California Probate Code Section 13101 form (this applies if the estate is under a certain value threshold)
Step 4: Submit Your Claim
Once you have collected all documentation, you can begin the claim process.
1. Visit the State Controller’s Office Claim Filing Page or use ClaimMyCAProperty.com for assistance.
2. Select the property you wish to claim.
3. Complete the online claim form or request a paper form.
4. Upload or mail the supporting documents.
5. Sign and, in some cases, notarize the claim affirmation form.
Note: Claims over $1,000 typically require notarization.
Step 5: Wait for Processing
Once your claim is submitted, the California State Controller’s Office will review your application. This may take several weeks or even months, depending on the complexity of your claim and the volume of submissions.
If any additional information is required, they will contact you. Once approved, you’ll receive a check in the mail for the value of the unclaimed property.
What If There Are Multiple Heirs?
If you have siblings or your mother had other heirs, the unclaimed property may be divided among all entitled individuals. Each person must submit their own claim form and documentation proving their relationship to the deceased.
If you are handling the estate through probate, a court order can designate how the assets should be divided.
Do I Need a Lawyer?
In most cases, you do not need an attorney to claim unclaimed property — especially if the estate is small and the claim is straightforward. However, if the estate is large, the will is contested, or probate is involved, consulting an estate attorney may be helpful.
ClaimMyCAProperty.com also provides assistance and resources that can simplify the process without requiring expensive legal help.
How Long Do I Have to Claim the Property?
California does not impose a strict deadline to claim unclaimed property. The state will hold it indefinitely until someone with proper documentation steps forward. That said, it’s best to start the process as soon as possible to prevent any further complications.
Tips for a Smooth Process
• Be thorough: Double-check all forms and documents before submitting your claim.
• Use multiple search tools: Don’t rely on a single search. Try state and national databases like Unclaimed.org.
• Organize your documents: Create digital copies of everything you send.
• Track your submission: Use certified mail or keep email confirmation receipts when submitting your claim.
Final Thoughts
Yes, you can claim unclaimed property for your deceased mother — and doing so ensures that what rightfully belongs to your family is not lost to time. With a little patience, preparation, and the right resources, this process can be navigated successfully.
If you need assistance along the way, visit Claim My California Property — a free resource to help you understand, find, and claim assets left behind by loved ones.
Ready to Get Started?
Search for your mother’s unclaimed property today at ClaimMyCAProperty.com. The money is legally yours — now it’s just a matter of claiming it.
1. If you’re unsure where to begin, start by visiting the Claim My California Property homepage for expert guidance.
2. You can learn more about what qualifies as unclaimed funds by reviewing the California unclaimed property rules.
3. Our team of professionals can assist you in filing a claim for your deceased mother’s forgotten assets.
4. For a full breakdown of the documentation you’ll need, visit our unclaimed property checklist.
5. If your mother held a dormant bank account, it may be listed in the unclaimed asset search.
6. We simplify the process of claiming for deceased relatives at Claim My California Property.
7. Need help proving your relationship to the decedent? Explore our heir verification resources.
8. Learn how to handle probate-free claims when your mother didn’t leave a will.
9. If a safe deposit box is involved, we cover how to claim physical assets.
10. Access our free California property search tool to start identifying possible matches.
11. Discover how to claim insurance proceeds left unclaimed by a deceased parent.
12. Filing as a surviving child? We offer tailored guidance for heirs.
13. If your mother’s estate was never settled, check out our decedent claim process.
14. Don’t worry if you don’t have every document — our support team can help.
15. If you’re managing claims across multiple counties, we assist with multi-jurisdiction filings.
16. Whether your mother passed recently or years ago, unclaimed property laws still apply.
17. We also help claim stocks and dividends left behind.
18. If you’re outside California, we provide remote claim assistance.
19. Our team is experienced in complex heir situations like blended families or multiple heirs.
20. Many heirs are surprised to find retirement funds unclaimed by deceased loved ones.
21. Understand how to avoid common mistakes in claiming a deceased relative’s property.
22. We can help you file your claim faster with our step-by-step application process.
23. Find out whether you’re eligible for a spousal or child claim.
24. See how we’ve helped thousands of families with real case studies.
25. Ready to start? Submit your claim request today and let our experts guide you.