How to Reclaim Inheritance Funds Held by the State of California

By Claim My CA Property – Professional Asset Investigators/Finders
https://claimmycaproperty.com

Introduction

Did you know that millions of dollars in inheritance go unclaimed each year in California? When an individual passes away without heirs actively managing their estate—or when heirs are unaware they’re entitled to an inheritance—the funds may end up held by the California State Controller’s Office as unclaimed property. These inheritance funds are safeguarded by the state until rightful heirs step forward to claim them.

In this blog, we will explain how inheritance ends up with the state, how to search for it, and what steps you can take to reclaim your rightful inheritance—with or without a will. Whether you’re a surviving family member, a legal heir, or someone who suspects they may have been overlooked, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

What Are Inheritance Funds?

Inheritance funds refer to assets, money, or financial benefits that were legally designated (or defaulted) to a person upon the death of someone else. These include:

Bank accounts
Trust funds
Stocks and bonds
Life insurance proceeds
Royalties and residuals
Refunds and pensions
Real estate proceeds
Safe deposit box contents

When these assets remain unclaimed by the rightful heir for a certain period, California law requires institutions holding them to transfer the funds to the Unclaimed Property Division of the California State Controller’s Office.

Why Do Inheritance Funds Go Unclaimed?

There are many reasons inheritance funds may go unclaimed:

1. No Known Heirs

When someone passes away without immediate family or without notifying relatives, the estate might go unclaimed and be turned over to the state.

2. Estate Not Settled Properly

If probate is incomplete or mismanaged, or if there’s no one to claim property after distribution, the assets can become dormant.

3. Lost Contact Information

Sometimes beneficiaries move, change names (e.g., after marriage), or simply don’t receive notice from banks or insurance companies.

4. Unaware Beneficiaries

Heirs may not be aware they were named in a will, trust, insurance policy, or retirement account.

5. Deceased Heirs

If an heir passes away without claiming their inheritance or leaving a clear successor, the claim may stall indefinitely.

How California Handles Unclaimed Inheritance

California’s Unclaimed Property Law mandates that after a dormancy period—typically three years—institutions must turn over abandoned assets to the State Controller’s Office (SCO). This includes:

Bank balances
Dividends and stocks
Insurance policy proceeds
Unclaimed trust disbursements
Estates without probate heirs

The SCO holds these funds until someone submits a valid claim. The money does not revert to the state permanently—it remains claimable indefinitely.

👉 You can check for these funds at: https://ucpi.sco.ca.gov/ucp/

The Process to Reclaim Inheritance Funds in California

Here’s a step-by-step guide to reclaiming inheritance funds that have been turned over to the state.

Step 1: Search the State’s Database

Begin with a search using:

Your full legal name
A deceased family member’s name
A business or trust name
An estate or executor name

Use the California Unclaimed Property Search Tool:
👉 https://ucpi.sco.ca.gov/ucp/

Step 2: Identify the Property

Review the listing to confirm the nature of the asset. If it references a known bank, business, or location related to your family member, it may be part of your inheritance.

Step 3: Prove Your Relationship

You’ll need to prove your right to the property. This typically includes:

Death certificate of the deceased
Your government-issued ID
Proof of relationship (birth certificate, family tree, marriage certificate)
Will or Trust (if available)
Legal heirship declaration (if no will exists)

Step 4: Complete the Claim Form

The SCO provides a downloadable form depending on the nature of the claim. You must attach all supporting documents and have your signature notarized in some cases.

Step 5: Submit the Claim

You can mail your completed claim and documentation to:

State Controller’s Office
Unclaimed Property Division
P.O. Box 942850
Sacramento, CA 94250-5873

Online submission may be available for simpler claims.

What If There Is No Will?

If the deceased died intestate (without a will), California’s intestate succession laws determine who inherits what. Usually, the order of inheritance is:

Spouse
Children
Parents
Siblings
Grandparents or other relatives

You may be required to submit a Declaration of Heirship, and in some cases, the process may involve probate court. Claim My CA Property can help you navigate this process and ensure all steps are legally compliant.

Can You Claim Inheritance from a Deceased Heir?

Yes. If the rightful heir passed away before claiming the inheritance, their heirs or estate may be able to claim the funds. This requires additional steps:

Provide death certificates of both the original owner and the deceased heir
Show your legal relation to the deceased heir
Provide documentation showing the legal chain of inheritance

This scenario can be complex, so professional help is often recommended.

Why Use Claim My CA Property?

✅ Expert Heir Research

We locate and document complex family trees to prove rightful ownership.

✅ Full Legal Support

We handle all paperwork, file all declarations, and represent you in communication with the state.

✅ Probate Navigation

If probate court is needed, we can assist with legal filings and recommendations for trusted probate attorneys.

✅ No Upfront Costs

We only get paid when you do. Our mission is to make the process risk-free for families.

Case Study: Unclaimed Inheritance Recovered

Angela contacted us after seeing her late uncle’s name on the State Controller’s site. She had no will, no probate case, and only old photos and family letters. With our help, she compiled a family lineage, gathered vital records, and submitted a successful claim. She recovered $48,000 that had sat unclaimed for nearly 10 years.

Common Questions About Inheritance Recovery

Q: Is there a time limit to claim inheritance?

A: No. There is no statute of limitations in California for claiming unclaimed property held by the state.

Q: Can multiple heirs claim jointly?

A: Yes, but all parties must provide legal identification and complete documentation. Funds are distributed according to probate law or percentage if specified in a will.

Q: What happens if no one ever claims it?

A: The funds stay in the custody of the state indefinitely, but they do not earn interest.

Q: What if I live out of state or abroad?

A: That’s not a problem. Claims can be filed remotely with the proper notarized and translated documents if necessary.

Final Thoughts

If you suspect you’ve inherited money—or that someone in your family may have—don’t let those funds sit idle in a government database. With inheritance laws and documentation requirements becoming increasingly complex, a missed step could delay your rightful claim indefinitely.

At Claim My CA Property, we specialize in locating and recovering inheritance funds for clients across California and the country. Whether it’s from a trust, an old life insurance policy, or forgotten stocks, we’re here to ensure your family receives what it’s owed.

Let us help you uncover your hidden inheritance.

📞 Contact us today or visit https://claimmycaproperty.com/start-your-claim/ to get started.