What to do f I recently found unclaimed funds held by the state for my grandmother and grandfather, who both died without a Will?
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What to do f I recently found unclaimed funds held by the state for my grandmother and grandfather, who both died without a Will?
Their only child was my father, also deceased, and died without a Will. This leaves my sister and I as the the only living lineal or collateral descendant of my grandparents. However, the Small Estates Affidavit form says “ONLY a surviving spouse, a child over 18 years of age, mother, father, sister or brother may claim under this section”. The unclaimed funds are probably around $1500. Will I need to get an Estate Attorney to get this money, or can I do it on my own?
Asked on November 20, 2013 under Estate Planning, Florida
Answers:
S.L,. Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
You can obtain the unclaimed property funds without an attorney and without the Small Estates Affidavit.
Florida, like other states, has documents it requires to obtain unclaimed property. Go on Google and enter required documents to obtain unclaimed property in the State of Florida and it will give you the necessary information on obtaining unclaimed property.
There are companies that send mail solicitations offering to recover unclaimed property with a fee of 20% of the value of the property. Don't get involved with them. You can easily obtain the forms from the State of Florida and file the claim which is all that the companies charging 20% will do.
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