Pennsylvania residents may be surprised to learn that money from old bank accounts, insurance policies, uncashed checks, trust accounts, or inheritance can “escheat” to the state’s Unclaimed Property Division if it goes unclaimed. This money doesn’t belong to the state—it is held in trust for the rightful owner. Our law firm, serving Pottsville, Northumberland, Shamokin, and the surrounding counties, helps clients identify, claim, and secure unclaimed property from the Pennsylvania Treasury.
What Counts as Unclaimed Property?
Unclaimed property can come from a wide variety of sources, including:
- Bank accounts and savings
- Uncashed checks
- Insurance policies and annuity contracts
- Trust accounts
- Beneficiary payments from estates
- Investment accounts
- Inheritance or assets from a deceased relative
Often, individuals are unaware of these funds, and businesses may lose track of accounts due to mergers, acquisitions, or administrative errors. After a certain holding period, these funds are turned over to the Pennsylvania Treasury Department, where they remain in trust until claimed.
Why Hire an Attorney to Claim Your Funds
Retaining a lawyer can make a significant difference in claiming your money efficiently. Our team at the Law Offices of Anthony Urban, P.C., has extensive experience helping clients across Schuylkill County, Northumberland County, and nearby communities. We assist in a variety of scenarios, including:
- Claiming money as an heir of a relative who passed away without an estate being opened
- Navigating cases where no executor or administrator has been appointed for the decedent’s estate
- Recovering assets that were not collected by the estate’s administrator or executor
We do charge a fee for handling these claims and require an in-person meeting with claimants to process them. We do not handle claims on behalf of any vendors; we prefer the claimant to work directly with our office to ensure security and proper handling.
Our attorneys can help obtain key documents, make legal arguments, and act as your point of contact with the Treasury to expedite the claims process, so you receive your money faster.
Claims Arising from Estates Not Properly Settled
Many of the cases we handle involve estates that were not fully or properly settled. Sometimes assets were not probated in accordance with the decedent’s will or Pennsylvania intestate succession laws. In such situations, a later generation of heirs may discover unclaimed property. This is where our firm can step in and help ensure the rightful heirs receive what is theirs.
Please note, we handle claims only for estates or claimants located within Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania and do not take on matters outside our service area due to logistical and legal considerations.
Tips for Searching and Claiming Your Unclaimed Property
When searching for unclaimed property, consider the following:
- Name variations and misspellings: Your money may be listed under a variation of your name or a deceased relative’s name.
- Businesses and companies: Organizations can claim their own funds, including accounts lost in mergers or acquisitions.
- Respond quickly: The Treasury vets every claim for accuracy. Delays or incomplete responses can extend the process.
Our attorneys help ensure that your application is complete, accurate, and submitted properly, reducing delays and helping you claim your funds sooner.
Serving Local Pennsylvania Communities
Whether you live in Pottsville, Northumberland, Shamokin, or nearby areas, we understand the nuances of Pennsylvania law and have experience navigating the Treasury’s Unclaimed Property Division. Our team is dedicated to helping local residents and businesses secure what is rightfully theirs.
Ready to Claim Your Unclaimed Property?
If you think you may have unclaimed property in Pennsylvania, don’t wait. Contact the Law Offices of Anthony Urban, P.C. today to schedule a consultation. We’ll review your situation, help you gather the necessary documentation, and guide you through the claim process.
Call us at (888) 268-0023 or send us a message online. Your first consultation is free.