Our Services

California’s Trusted Partner in Unclaimed Property Recovery

At CMCP – Claim My California Property, we are more than just an investigation firm. We are your partners in asset recovery, dedicated to helping Californians reclaim their abandoned financial assets and restore what is rightfully theirs.

Each year, billions of dollars in forgotten property—ranging from dormant bank accounts and uncashed checks to insurance proceeds and stocks—are turned over to the State of California. Many residents never know this money exists, or they’re overwhelmed by the process required to claim it. That’s where we come in.

About Us

CMCP (Claim My California Property) is a leading asset recovery service based in California, dedicated to helping individuals and small businesses reclaim what is rightfully theirs. We specialize in locating and recovering abandoned and unclaimed assets held by the California State Controller’s Office, including funds left behind in old bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance proceeds, security deposits, and more.

At CMCP, we take special pride in serving elderly Californians, small business owners, and the heirs of deceased individuals—people who often face the greatest challenges in navigating California’s unclaimed property system.

Many of our clients are unaware that valuable assets are being held in their name, or they are overwhelmed by the time-consuming process of claiming them. That’s where we come in.

Questions?

Here are some common questions and answers.

Unclaimed property in California covers a wide range of financial assets that have been abandoned or forgotten by their rightful owners. These include bank accounts, stocks, uncashed checks, insurance policy payouts, safe deposit box contents, and utility refunds. In most cases, these assets are turned over to the state after a period of inactivity, typically three years. Once reported, the State Controller’s Office safeguards them until a claim is made.

The State Controller’s Office maintains a public online database where you can search for your name or business name to see if any unclaimed property is listed. The database is searchable by last name, first name, city, and ZIP code. If a match is found, you’ll be able to view the property details and begin the claims process. CMCP also offers professional search services for individuals and heirs who want a more thorough investigation.

The standard processing time for a straightforward claim is approximately 30 to 60 days, depending on the complexity of the case and whether all documents were submitted correctly. Claims involving estates, multiple heirs, or missing documentation may take longer to process. CMCP helps speed up the process by ensuring claims are submitted correctly the first time and proactively following up with the state.

Unclaimed property refers to financial assets or accounts that have been abandoned or forgotten by their rightful owners. In California, this can include bank accounts, uncashed checks, stocks, safe deposit box contents, insurance proceeds, and more. These assets are turned over to the California State Controller’s Office after a period of inactivity (usually three years).

You can search for unclaimed property using the California State Controller’s Office Unclaimed Property Database at https://ucpi.sco.ca.gov/UCP/. Simply enter your name or business name to begin your search.

No, there is no statute of limitations on claiming unclaimed property in California. Once the property is transferred to the State Controller’s Office, it remains available for the rightful owner or their heirs to claim at any time.

Typically, you will need to provide:

•A valid form of ID (e.g., driver’s license or passport)

•Proof of address or ownership (e.g., utility bills, account statements)

•Documentation showing your relationship to the property owner if you are an heir or legal representative

Additional documents may be required depending on the property type.

Yes, you can. You must provide legal documents such as a death certificate, will, trust, or letters testamentary, and show proof that you are the rightful heir or executor of the estate. The process may also require completing an Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property.

The processing time can vary depending on the complexity of the claim and the documentation provided. On average, claims are processed within 30 to 180 days. The State Controller’s Office will notify you by mail if additional documents are required.

An investigator (also known as a finder) is a professional who assists claimants in locating and recovering unclaimed property, typically for a percentage-based fee. In California, investigators must be registered and follow strict contract guidelines. You can learn more about this from the California State Controller’s site.

Yes. Businesses, organizations, and nonprofits can also claim unclaimed assets. The process is similar to that for individuals but may require additional documentation like tax ID numbers, business licenses, or proof of authority to act on behalf of the business.

If no claim is filed, the property remains in the possession of the State of California indefinitely. It will not revert to the original holder, and it will not be used by the state for other purposes. However, heirs and owners can still claim it at any time in the future.

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