Help Center

Frequently Asked Questions

Clear answers about how FoundMoneyNow works, what we charge, what documents you may need, and how the recovery process unfolds — from first contact to final payment.

FoundMoneyNow helps individuals, families, heirs, businesses, and organizations locate and recover unclaimed funds that may legally belong to them.

We may assist with: county excess proceeds from property tax sales; foreclosure surplus funds; court-held funds; uncashed checks and warrants; estates belonging to deceased persons; state and local government unclaimed funds; and other funds held by public agencies or approved custodians.

We research publicly available records, government reports, property records, court filings, business records, and other lawful sources. We then review the available information to identify people or businesses that may have a valid claim.

Yes. Government agencies and other organizations sometimes hold money they have been unable to return to its rightful owner. FoundMoneyNow helps potential claimants document their connection to the funds and complete the recovery process.

The agency may not have your current address or contact information. Records may contain an old address, a former business name, a deceased owner, incomplete information, or other details that make locating the rightful claimant difficult.

In many cases, yes. You may contact the agency holding the funds and attempt to complete the claim without hiring FoundMoneyNow. Our service is intended for people who want assistance researching the claim, locating records, identifying heirs, organizing documents, preparing the claim package, and following up with the agency.

Claims can become complicated when they involve deceased owners, multiple heirs, missing documents, name or address differences, businesses that have closed, trusts or estates, property ownership records, multiple government agencies, and strict filing deadlines. We help organize the process and reduce the time and effort required from the claimant.

For eligible contingency-fee cases, there are generally no upfront recovery-service fees. Our compensation is paid only if the claim is successfully recovered, as explained in your written agreement. Certain outside expenses—such as certified records, notarization, probate documents, court filings, or professional services—will be disclosed and handled according to the agreement and applicable law.

The fee depends on the type of funds, the work required, and the laws governing the claim. Your fee will be clearly stated in a written agreement before work begins. Where the law limits recovery fees, our agreement will comply with the applicable limit.

No, unless a separate written agreement specifically and lawfully provides otherwise. Our standard service is to assist you with recovering funds while you remain the claimant or beneficial owner.

Depending on the claim, you may need: government-issued photo identification; Social Security or taxpayer identification information; proof of your current and former addresses; birth, marriage, divorce, or death certificates; trust or probate documents; wills or heirship records; property deeds or tax records; business formation or dissolution records; a notarized claim form; and other documents requested by the agency. We will explain which documents apply to your particular claim.

The funds may still be recoverable by the deceased person's estate, trust, surviving spouse, beneficiaries, or legal heirs. We can help research possible heirs and identify the documents the holding agency may require. FoundMoneyNow does not determine legal heirship. Final eligibility is determined by the agency, court, or other authority responsible for the funds.

Each heir's rights may depend on probate documents, a trust, a will, California succession laws, or another state's laws. Some claims require the cooperation and documentation of multiple heirs. When legal advice or court proceedings are needed, you may be advised to consult a qualified attorney.

Processing time varies. A straightforward claim may take several weeks or months. Claims involving estates, multiple heirs, missing records, court approval, or competing claimants may take longer. FoundMoneyNow cannot control an agency's processing time or guarantee when a payment will be issued.

Some funds have strict deadlines. Excess proceeds from a property tax sale, foreclosure surplus, court-held funds, and other government funds may be subject to specific claim periods. Responding promptly can help protect your rights. Missing a deadline may cause the funds to be transferred, escheated, or otherwise become more difficult—or impossible—to recover.

No. We cannot guarantee that a claim will be approved or that money will be recovered. The holding agency, court, trustee, or other authorized party makes the final decision.

The agency may review all competing claims and require additional proof. In some cases, the matter may require a hearing, court proceeding, or legal representation. We will inform you if we discover a competing or previously paid claim.

The payment method depends on the agency and the written agreement. Funds may be paid directly to you, your estate, your trust, your attorney, or another legally authorized recipient. The process will be explained before your claim is submitted.

We use personal information only for legitimate research, identity verification, claim preparation, communication, and recovery-related purposes. Sensitive information should be submitted only through an approved secure method—not through public social media or unsecured messages.

No. FoundMoneyNow is not a law firm and does not provide legal, tax, or financial advice. If your claim requires legal representation, probate proceedings, tax advice, or a court determination, we may recommend that you consult an appropriately licensed professional.

Contact FoundMoneyNow and provide your name, contact information, and the reference or claim information from the notice you received. We will review the available records, explain the next steps, and provide a written agreement before beginning any paid recovery services.

Still have questions?

Reach out for a free, confidential review. A specialist will respond within 48 hours with what we find and the next step.