In today’s world, it’s smart to verify the legitimacy of any claim before taking action. One common warning sign of an unethical company is requesting payment upfront. With a legitimate claim, there is never a reason to pay anything in advance to pursue your funds.

At Unclaimed Property Professional Services we never ask for upfront payment. We cover all out-of-pocket expenses needed to establish your right to the funds, including attorney retainers, court costs, notarization fees, and mailing expenses. Our goal is to handle the process on your behalf, so you can focus on receiving the money you are legally entitled to.

We specialize in locating hard-to-find claims that require expert knowledge of unclaimed funds resources. Our experience covers a wide range of potential assets, including:

• Bank accounts & safe deposit box contents

• Mutual funds, stocks, and bonds

• Dividends & uncashed checks

• Wages & insurance policies

• Certificates of deposit (CDs) & trust funds

• Utility deposits & escrow accounts

• Real estate & inheritance money

In many jurisdictions, a conflict of interest can arise because the agency responsible for notifying potential claimants may benefit if the funds remain unclaimed. As a result, these agencies often make minimal—or sometimes no—effort to notify individuals of money they may be entitled to.

Many types of unclaimed funds are subject to deadlines. The time available to file a claim depends on where the funds are held and how long they have remained unclaimed. In some cases, a claim may still be early in the process, allowing more time to pursue recovery. In others, the deadline may be approaching quickly.

Asset Recovery dedicates significant resources to locating potential claimants as early as possible, helping preserve the maximum opportunity for recovery. Regardless of timing, it is always best to act promptly. Agencies holding these funds often require extensive documentation and follow specific procedures before releasing assets, and the process can move slowly. Beginning the claim as soon as possible helps avoid unnecessary delays and reduces the risk of losing the funds altogether.

The first step to pursuing a claim on your own is knowing exactly where the funds are being held—and many claims are not easy to locate. Even after identifying the source, there are important reasons to consider working with an experienced third party.

Agencies that hold unclaimed assets typically impose strict documentation, formatting, and procedural requirements to prove entitlement. These agencies can be slow to respond and may delay releasing funds if requirements are not met precisely. In many cases, missed steps or deadlines can result in the funds remaining with the holding agency.

The UPPS Claims Team helps navigate this complex process on your behalf. We manage the documentation, deadlines, and agency requirements to reduce delays and ensure a successful outcome.

There isn’t a single, simple answer, as each case varies based on its complexity and the costs involved in pursuing the claim. That said, our approach is designed to remove financial uncertainty for our clients.

Unlike many other companies, our contingency fee includes all necessary expenses—such as attorneys’ fees, probate costs, filing fees, notarization, and mailing costs. Some companies charge large upfront fees just to provide claim information, leaving you to manage the recovery process on your own.

At UPPS Claims, we are only compensated if and when funds are successfully recovered. If no money is received, you owe nothing.

Several factors can influence how long it takes to recover funds. These include the complexity of the claim, the laws governing when funds may be released, and how long the funds have remained unclaimed. In some cases, recovery may take only a few weeks, while others may require several months.

Your Claims Manager will keep you informed as updates become available and will provide status updates throughout the process. Unclaimed Property Professional Services is committed to moving each claim forward as efficiently as administrative requirements allow. Since our compensation is contingent on a successful recovery, our interests are fully aligned with resolving your claim as promptly as possible.

In some jurisdictions, pursuing a claim requires formal legal action, including filing a motion with the district court. In these cases, an attorney may be necessary to request a court order authorizing the release of funds. In other jurisdictions, the claims process is more straightforward and can be completed without legal representation.

Whether an attorney is needed often depends on the location of the funds and the complexity of the claim. When legal representation is required, UPPS Claims will arrange for an attorney and advance all related expenses, at no cost to you.

If you’ve received a letter or phone call, we encourage you to contact us directly. If you’re waiting for paperwork, feel free to review our website or reach out to your dedicated Claims Manager with any questions you may have.

Once you receive the initial documents, please take time to review them carefully. If you decide to proceed, complete and return the paperwork as soon as possible. From there UPPS Claims will handle the remainder of the claims process. We look forward to assisting you every step of the way.

UPPS does not handle cases that are currently held by a State Treasurer’s Unclaimed Property Department. Claimants may file a claim on their own at no cost. However, if a case is particularly complex, you may contact us to determine whether we are interested in handling the matter.

If a claim becomes escheated after we have entered into an agreement, we will continue to process the claim on your behalf.