Property & Asset Details

Collect deeds for all real estate, vehicle titles (cars, boats, RVs, motorcycles), mortgage statements, property tax records, HOA documents, rental agreements (as landlord or tenant), storage unit contracts, and any land or mineral rights documentation. Check the deceased's files, safe deposit box, and email for digital copies. The county recorder's office can provide copies of recorded deeds for $5-$25 each.

Visit your state's DMV with the original title, a certified death certificate, Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration, and a completed title transfer form. If the vehicle was jointly owned with right of survivorship, the surviving owner can transfer with just the death certificate. Fees range from $15-$75 depending on the state. Some states require the vehicle to pass a safety inspection before transfer.

Search the deceased's mail, email, and bank statements for payments to unknown accounts. Check unclaimed property databases at unclaimed.org and missingmoney.com—every state maintains one. Review tax returns for interest, dividend, and rental income that reveal accounts. Search the FDIC and NCUA databases for forgotten bank accounts. A skip-trace or asset search service costs $200-$500 if you suspect hidden assets.

Visit unclaimed.org, which searches all 50 states simultaneously, or check each state's unclaimed property website individually. Search by the deceased's name and any prior names. Common unclaimed assets include old bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance payouts, utility deposits, and stock dividends. Filing a claim typically requires a death certificate, proof of heirship, and a claim form. Processing takes 60-180 days.