The term “unclaimed property” (also referred to as “unclaimed funds”) relates to property being held by the Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Unclaimed Property. The most common types of unclaimed property are dormant bank accounts, unclaimed insurance proceeds, stocks, dividends, uncashed checks, deposits, credit balances, surplus proceeds from tax deed sales and foreclosure sales, and refunds. Unclaimed property also includes contents from abandoned safe deposit boxes in financial institutions.
Many times, a relative will pass away and assets of that relative will ultimately end up being remitted to the Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Unclaimed Property. If you believe that you may be the next of kin and, therefore, the beneficiary of these unclaimed funds, please contact Lucas, Macyszyn & Dyer for assistance. We will help you determine what steps to take to claim the funds and guide you through the process.
It is important to know that without a court order from a probate judge, you will not be able to make a claim on a deceased family member’s funds. In most cases involving unclaimed funds, the probate attorney’s fees and costs can be deferred, which means that the probate law firm is paid with estate funds at the time that the probate matter is concluded. In other words, you would not be required to pay for the attorney’s fees and costs up-front.
We can help you obtain the requisite court order from the probate judge establishing who the beneficiaries of the unclaimed funds should be. After a court order has been obtained, a claim form must be completed by the beneficiaries and submitted along with proof of identification, including driver’s licenses and Social Security numbers of all beneficiaries. Lucas, Macyszyn & Dyer can handle the entire process from start to finish, thereby minimizing your stress and bringing closure to the unclaimed property issue.
Call Lucas, Macyszyn & Dyer today to schedule your free consultation. We are here to help and look forward to your call.