Billions of dollars sit in state treasuries right now, waiting for rightful owners to step forward. If you have ever changed jobs, moved residences, or inherited a relative’s paperwork, you might be one of millions owed money. The process to reclaim these assets is free, legal, and often simpler than you imagine. This guide walks you through every step required to locate and recover unclaimed dividend checks and forgotten corporate stock shares, ensuring you leave no money on the table.

The Hidden Economy of Lost Assets

Every year, corporations and financial institutions transfer billions in dormant assets to state governments. This legal process, known as escheatment, happens when accounts show no owner-generated activity for a specific period, typically three to five years. Consequently, uncashed dividend checks, forgotten stock certificates, and abandoned brokerage accounts become property of the state. Furthermore, the amounts are staggering; the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) reports that states collectively hold over $70 billion in unclaimed property. Therefore, the odds of you or a family member having a claim are statistically significant.

Many people assume this only happens to the wealthy or the elderly. However, the reality is far more democratic. A small dividend reinvestment plan (DRIP) started decades ago, a stock grant from a former employer, or a utility deposit from a first apartment can all end up in this pool. In addition, mergers and acquisitions frequently create confusion. When Company A buys Company B, shareholders of Company B often receive cash or new shares. If the transfer agent cannot locate the shareholder, those proceeds become unclaimed property. As a result, perfectly ordinary investors lose track of significant value.

Why Dividends and Shares Go Missing

Understanding the mechanics of loss helps you search more effectively. The most common culprit is a simple change of address. When you move without updating your broker or the company’s transfer agent, mail gets returned. Subsequently, the account is flagged as “lost contact.” Moreover, the shift to electronic statements exacerbates this. If you close an email account or miss a notification in a spam folder, you lose the only link to the asset.

Corporate Actions and Administrative Chaos

Mergers, spin-offs, and bankruptcies create administrative nightmares. For instance, when a conglomerate spins off a division, existing shareholders receive shares in the new entity. Often, these fractional shares or small cash-in-lieu payments are issued as physical checks. If that check goes uncashed for the dormancy period, the funds escheat. Similarly, during a bankruptcy, old common stock often becomes worthless, but sometimes a liquidation trust distributes recovery years later. Those late distributions frequently go unclaimed because the original shareholder has moved on or passed away.

The “Zombie” Account Problem

Accounts with very low activity are prime candidates for escheatment. A DRIP account where dividends automatically buy fractional shares might look inactive to a transfer agent if no manual trades occur. Furthermore, accounts held in “street name” at a brokerage that gets acquired can fall through the cracks during data migration. Consequently, the new firm may not have a valid address or tax ID, triggering the dormancy clock prematurely.

The Legal Framework: Escheatment and Your Rights

Escheatment is not confiscation; it is custodial. The state acts as a perpetual custodian. You never lose ownership rights. However, the burden of proof shifts to you. Each state has its own Unclaimed Property Act, but they generally follow the Uniform Unclaimed Property Act. Therefore, the process to reclaim is standardized but requires specific documentation.

Critically, there is no statute of limitations on claiming your property. Whether the check was issued in 1995 or 2020, the state must return it. However, the state does not pay interest on the held funds in most jurisdictions. Moreover, if the asset was stock, the state typically liquidates it shortly after receipt. You receive the cash value at the time of sale, not the current market value. This is a crucial distinction. Consequently, acting quickly preserves more value, especially for appreciating securities.

Step One: Search the Official State Databases

Your primary starting point is the state-level database. Every state maintains a searchable website. Do not pay third-party “finder” services for this search; it is free. Start with MissingMoney.com, the officially endorsed national database sponsored by NAUPA. It aggregates data from most participating states and provinces. However, not all states participate fully. Therefore, you must also search the individual state treasury websites for every state you have lived in, worked in, or held investments in.

Search Strategies for Maximum Hits

Search variations of your name aggressively. Use maiden names, middle initials, common misspellings, and nicknames. For example, search “Robert Smith,” “Bob Smith,” “R. Smith,” and “Robt Smith.” In addition, search business names if you ever owned a sole proprietorship or LLC. Furthermore, search addresses. Some databases allow reverse address lookups. This catches assets where the name was garbled but the address matches your history.

Check the “property type” codes. Look for codes like “SC08” (Stocks), “SC09” (Mutual Funds), “SC10” (Uncashed Dividends), “SC12” (Stock Certificates), and “SC16” (Mutual Fund Reinvestments). These codes indicate the specific financial instruments you are hunting. Consequently, filtering by these codes saves hours of scrolling through generic “uncashed check” listings.

Step Two: Federal-Level Searches for Specific Instruments

State databases do not hold everything. Certain financial instruments fall under federal jurisdiction. You must check these separate systems to ensure a comprehensive recovery effort.

SEC and Treasury Hunt

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) maintains resources for lost shareholders. While they don’t hold the money, they guide you to transfer agents. More importantly, TreasuryHunt.gov is essential for savings bonds. Matured savings bonds that stopped earning interest often get forgotten. If you or a relative bought Series E, EE, or I bonds, search here using a Social Security Number. Furthermore, the Bureau of the Fiscal Service handles unclaimed payments from federal agencies.

Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC)

If a former employer offered a defined benefit pension plan that terminated, the PBGC may hold unclaimed pensions. Search their database if you worked for a company that went bankrupt or froze its plan. This is distinct from 401(k) plans, which are usually held by the plan administrator or rolled to an IRA. However, missing 401(k) funds often end up in state databases under the plan administrator’s name, not yours. Therefore, search the plan administrator’s name in state databases as well.

FDIC and NCUA Unclaimed Funds

If a bank or credit union failed and you had unclaimed deposits, the FDIC (banks) or NCUA (credit unions) holds those funds. Their search tools are separate from state systems. This is relevant if you held brokered CDs or cash sweep balances in a failed institution. Moreover, the resolution process for failed banks sometimes leaves small residual payments unclaimed for years.

Step Three: Contact Transfer Agents and Registrars Directly

This is the most powerful step for recovering forgotten corporate stock shares. Transfer agents (like Computershare, Equiniti/Equiniti Trust, and American Stock Transfer & Trust) maintain the official shareholder records for public companies. If a company is still public, or was acquired by a public company, the transfer agent likely has the record.

Identifying the Correct Transfer Agent

Find the transfer agent for the specific CUSIP or ticker symbol. Use the SEC’s EDGAR database to look up the company’s latest 10-K or 8-K filing. The transfer agent is listed in the “Exhibits” or “Transfer Agent” section. Alternatively, search the company name plus “transfer agent” or “investor relations.” Once identified, visit the agent’s website. Most have a “Lost Shareholder” or “Unclaimed Property” portal.

Reinstating Lost Shareholder Status

Contact the transfer agent’s shareholder services department. Explain you believe you are a lost shareholder. They will ask for identifying information: name, previous addresses, Social Security Number, and approximate purchase dates. If the shares were escheated, the agent will direct you to the state. However, if the account is merely “inactive” but not yet escheated, the agent can often reactivate it immediately. This is vastly faster than the state claims process. Moreover, if the stock split or paid dividends while inactive, the agent can issue the accumulated shares and cash. Consequently, you recover the full market value, not the liquidated state value.

Dealing with Mergers and Acquisitions

If the original company was acquired, you must trace the lineage. Company A bought Company B. Company B’s transfer agent handled the conversion. You need to contact Company A’s current transfer agent. Provide the old certificate numbers or account numbers from Company B. The agent traces the conversion ratio. For example, 1 share of Company B became 0.5 shares of Company A plus $10 cash. If you never cashed the $10 check or deposited the fractional share, those assets are waiting. Furthermore, spin-offs create new entities. You may own shares in three different companies from one original investment. Trace each lineage separately.

Step Four: The Documentation Gauntlet – Proving Ownership

Whether dealing with a state or a transfer agent, documentation requirements are rigorous. They must prevent fraud. Prepare a “claims packet” in advance to accelerate the process.

Personal Identification

You need a government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport). You need proof of Social Security Number (SSN card, W-2, 1099). If the name on the asset differs from your current ID (marriage, divorce, legal change), you need the legal document linking the names (marriage license, divorce decree, court order). Furthermore, if you moved, provide proof of previous address (old utility bill, tax return, bank statement) matching the address on the asset record.

Proof of Ownership: The Paper Trail

This is where most claims stall. For stock certificates, you need the physical certificate or a clear photo/scan of both sides. If lost, you need a Lost Securities Bond (surety bond) and an affidavit of loss. The transfer agent provides the forms. For dividend checks, a copy of the check (front and back) is ideal. If you don’t have it, a brokerage statement showing the position, a trade confirmation, or a DRIP statement works. Moreover, old tax returns (Schedule B or D) showing dividend income or capital gains from the specific company are gold-standard proof. The IRS keeps transcripts for 10 years; you can request a “Wage and Income Transcript” which shows all 1099-DIV and 1099-B reported under your SSN. This is often the easiest way to prove ownership of forgotten holdings.

Estate and Heir Claims: Added Complexity

Claiming for a deceased relative requires significantly more paperwork. You need the death certificate. You need Letters Testamentary (if there was a will) or Letters of Administration (if intestate) issued by the probate court. If the estate was small and avoided formal probate, a Small Estate Affidavit (state-specific form) may suffice. Furthermore, you need the will (if any) and a copy of the court order distributing assets. If you are a beneficiary of a Trust, you need the Trust Agreement and a Certification of Trust. Consequently, heir claims take longer. Start gathering these documents immediately upon discovering a potential claim.

Step Five: Navigating the State Claims Process

Once you locate a property on a state website, click “Claim” or “File Claim.” You will create an account. The system generates a claim ID and a list of required documents. Upload high-quality scans (PDF preferred). Do not mail originals unless specifically requested; certified copies are standard.

Processing Timelines and Follow-Up

State processing times vary wildly. Some states (like Wisconsin or Colorado) pay in 2-4 weeks. Others (like California or New York) can take 6-12 months or longer due to volume. Check your claim status online weekly. If the status stalls at “Under Review” for 90 days, call the unclaimed property division. Be polite but persistent. Ask for the specific examiner assigned. Furthermore, ensure your contact info in the portal is current. If they mail a check to an old address, it becomes unclaimed property again—a vicious cycle.

What Happens to the Stock?

As mentioned, states liquidate securities. You will receive a check for the proceeds. The claim determination letter shows the sale price and date. You cannot request the shares back in kind from the state. However, if you catch the asset before it escheats—by contacting the transfer agent directly—you keep the shares. This is the single biggest financial advantage of proactive searching. Therefore, always check the transfer agent before filing a state claim if the company still exists.

Advanced Recovery: Old Paper Certificates and Bearer Instruments

Physical stock certificates found in an attic or safe deposit box require special handling. They may represent immense value or zero value. Do not throw them away.

Researching Certificate Validity

Look at the certificate: Company name, CUSIP, state of incorporation, transfer agent name. Check if the company still exists. Use the SEC’s “Company Search” or the state’s Secretary of State business entity search. If the company merged, trace the successor. If the company went bankrupt, the certificate is likely a collectible (scripophily) only, though sometimes bankruptcy trusts distribute years later. Moreover, check for “stop transfer” stamps on the back. If the certificate was already reported lost and replaced, it is void.

Medallion Signature Guarantees

To deposit or transfer a physical certificate, you need a Medallion Signature Guarantee (not just a notary). Banks and brokerages provide this for customers. It guarantees your signature and authority. The transfer agent will require this to re-register the shares into your brokerage account (Direct Registration System – DRS) or to sell them. Furthermore, if the certificate is in a deceased relative’s name, the executor needs the Medallion Guarantee plus the court documents.

Bearer Bonds and Coupons

Bearer bonds are rare now but exist. They pay interest via physical coupons clipped from the bond. If you find these, the issuer (or successor) pays the principal and any unpaid coupons. However, the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982 stopped new issuances. Redemption requires sending the physical bonds/coupons to the paying agent via registered mail. Consequently, handle these with extreme care; they are cash equivalents.

Avoiding the “Finder Fee” Trap

You will receive letters from “asset locators” or “heir finders” offering to recover your money for a percentage (often 10-30%). Ignore them. They simply search the same free public databases you can access. In many states, charging a fee before recovery is illegal or capped at a low statutory limit (e.g., 10%). Furthermore, these contracts often assign your claim rights to the finder. You lose control. The state and transfer agents deal directly with owners for free. If you feel overwhelmed, hire a fee-only financial advisor or an attorney hourly, not a contingency finder.

Preventing Future Loss: Asset Consolidation and Legacy Planning

Recovery is reactive; prevention is proactive. The best strategy ensures this never happens again.

Consolidate Holdings

Move all certificated shares into a single brokerage account (Fidelity, Schwab, Vanguard, etc.) via DRS transfer. Enroll in electronic delivery for all statements, confirms, and tax documents. Use a permanent, personal email address (not a work or ISP email). Furthermore, enable two-factor authentication. A consolidated account with e-delivery eliminates “lost contact” risk almost entirely.

Maintain a Master Inventory

Create a secure digital document (encrypted drive or password manager secure note) listing every asset: Institution, Account Number, Asset Type, Ticker/CUSIP, Cost Basis (if known), and Beneficiary Designation. Update it annually. Share the access method with your executor or trusted agent. Moreover, include login credentials for the brokerage and the state unclaimed property portals you’ve claimed from.

Beneficiary Designations: The Ultimate Safeguard

Ensure every brokerage account, IRA, 401(k), and transfer agent account has a valid Transfer on Death (TOD) or Payable on Death (POD) beneficiary. This bypasses probate entirely. The beneficiary presents a death certificate and ID; the assets transfer in weeks. Consequently, the assets never go dormant, never escheat, and never require a court-supervised recovery. This is the single most effective step.

Real-World Scenarios: How Recovery Plays Out

Scenario A: The Forgotten DRIP

Sarah bought 10 shares of a utility company via a DRIP in 1995. She moved three times, changed email providers twice, and forgot about it. The transfer agent sent statements to a defunct AOL address. In 2010, the account was escheated to her state of residence at the time. In 2024, she searches MissingMoney.com, finds the listing for “SC08 – Stocks.” She files a claim, uploads her driver’s license and an old tax transcript showing the dividend income. The state sends a check for the liquidation value. She lost 14 years of growth. If she had contacted the transfer agent in 2009, she would own the shares today.

Scenario B: The Merger Maze

Robert’s father worked for a regional bank acquired by a national giant in 2005. The father passed in 2018. Robert finds a paper certificate for 100 shares of the old bank in a file cabinet. He contacts the national bank’s transfer agent (Computershare). They trace the merger: 1 old share = 1.2 new shares + $5 cash. The cash was paid in 2005; the check was never cashed and escheated. The 120 new shares were never registered; they sat in “street name” for the estate. Robert provides Letters Testamentary, death certificate, and a Medallion Guarantee. The agent deposits 120 shares into a new brokerage account for the estate and directs Robert to the state for the $500 cash. Robert recovers the full equity value.

Scenario C: The Tax Transcript Breakthrough

Maria suspects her late mother had investments but finds no statements. She requests the mother’s IRS Wage and Income Transcript for the last 10 years of life. It shows 1099-DIV forms from “XYZ Corp” and “ABC Fund” for years where she found no paperwork. She searches those names in state databases. She finds two claims. She uses the transcript as primary proof of ownership for the state claim. The state accepts it. She recovers $12,000. The transcript was the only link.

International Considerations: Cross-Border Recovery

If you lived abroad or held foreign stocks, the process differs. Countries like Canada, UK, Australia, and EU nations have their own unclaimed asset registries. Canada has the Bank of Canada unclaimed balances registry. The UK has “MyLostAccount” for banks and the Unclaimed Assets Register for investments. Australia has ASIC’s unclaimed money search. Furthermore, US citizens with foreign accounts must consider FATCA/FBAR reporting. Recovering foreign assets may trigger tax reporting obligations. Consult a cross-border tax specialist before claiming significant foreign holdings.

Corporate Actions Deep Dive: Spin-offs, Rights Offerings, and Fractional Shares

Corporate actions generate massive amounts of unclaimed property because they create new, unexpected assets.

Spin-Offs

When a parent company spins off a subsidiary, shareholders receive shares in the new company automatically. The transfer agent for the new company creates accounts for all parent shareholders. If your address was bad at the parent, it’s bad at the spin-off. Those shares sit, pay dividends, and eventually escheat. Search for the spin-off company name specifically. For example, if you owned Kraft, you got Mondelez and Kraft Heinz shares. Search all three.

Rights Offerings

Companies offer rights to buy more shares at a discount. These rights trade briefly. If you don’t exercise or sell them, they expire worthless. However, sometimes the company sells the unexercised rights and distributes the proceeds as cash. That cash check goes uncashed. Search for the company name plus “rights proceeds.”

Fractional Shares and Cash-in-Lieu

Stock splits and mergers create fractional shares (e.g., you get 10.5 shares). Companies rarely issue fractional certificates. They sell the fraction at market price and send you a check for the “cash-in-lieu.” These checks are often for small amounts ($2.50, $15.00). People throw them away or lose them. These tiny checks aggregate into millions in state coffers. Search for small amounts; they add up.

Leveraging Professional Help: When to Hire an Expert

Most claims are DIY-friendly. However, hire a professional (probate attorney, forensic accountant, or specialized asset recovery attorney) if:

• The estate is in active probate dispute.
• The asset value exceeds $50,000 and documentation is missing (lost certificates, no statements).
• The chain of corporate succession is opaque (multiple mergers, bankruptcies, name changes).
• You are a non-resident alien claiming US assets (tax treaty complexities).
• The state denies your claim and you need an administrative hearing.

Attorneys typically charge hourly ($250-$500/hr) or a flat fee for claim preparation. This is cheaper than a 20% contingency finder fee on a large recovery. Furthermore, an attorney can subpoena records from transfer agents or brokers if they stonewall.

Tax Implications of Recovery

Recovered assets have tax consequences. The state issues a 1099-MISC or 1099-B for the year you receive the funds.

Cost Basis Reconstruction

If you recover stock (via transfer agent) and sell it, you need the cost basis. For inherited assets, the basis is usually the fair market value on the date of death (step-up). For your own old purchases, you must reconstruct the basis. Use historical price charts (Yahoo Finance, Macrotrends) adjusted for splits and dividends. If you truly cannot determine it, the IRS allows a “zero basis” assumption (pay tax on full proceeds), but this is disadvantageous. Moreover, if the state liquidated the stock, your proceeds are the sale price. Your gain/loss is (State Sale Price – Your Cost Basis). Report this on Schedule D.

Dividend Income

Recovered uncashed dividend checks are taxable in the year received, not the year issued. The state will issue a 1099-INT or 1099-MISC. Report it as ordinary income. If the dividends were “qualified” originally, that character is usually lost upon escheatment; the state payment is ordinary income. Consequently, you may pay a higher tax rate than if you had received them timely.

State-Specific Nuances: California, New York, Texas, and Delaware

Four states hold the lion’s share of unclaimed property due to population and corporate domicile laws.

California (SCO)

California’s Controller’s Office holds ~$11 billion. Their search site is robust. They allow “Fast Track” for claims under $5,000 with simple ID verification. For stock, they liquidate via a state contractor. Processing can be slow (6-12 months). They require a notarized Claim Affirmation Form for claims over $1,000 or for heir claims.

New York (OSC)

New York’s Comptroller holds ~$18 billion. They are aggressive about outreach. Their site allows direct upload. They have a dedicated “Stocks and Bonds” search filter. Heir claims require Surrogate’s Court documents. They pay interest on some property types (like court deposits) but not on liquidated stock proceeds.

Texas (Comptroller)

Texas holds ~$7 billion. Their “ClaimItTexas” site is user-friendly. They have a unique “Property Type” search that is very granular. Texas is a “custodial” state; they never take title. They hold securities in kind sometimes if the volume is high, but usually liquidate. They are generally faster than CA or NY (60-90 days).

Delaware (Division of Revenue)

Delaware is the corporate domicile for 60%+ of Fortune 500 companies. Therefore, if a company cannot find a shareholder anywhere, the money often escheats to Delaware (the “state of last resort”). Search Delaware even if you never lived there. Their database is separate from MissingMoney.com (though they upload periodically). Search revenue.delaware.gov directly.

Technology Tools for the Modern Searcher

Beyond manual searches, use technology to automate monitoring.

Automated Alerts

Some states offer email alerts for new properties matching your name. Enable these. Furthermore, services like Unclaimed.org (NAUPA’s site) link to all state portals. Bookmark the “Holder Reporting” sections too; seeing what companies report helps you identify who might hold your assets.

Financial Aggregators

Apps like Mint (discontinued), Monarch Money, Simplifi, or Empower (Personal Capital) link accounts. They don’t find unclaimed property, but they prevent future loss by flagging inactive accounts. If an account stops syncing, you know immediately. Moreover, they track net worth across all holdings, making “forgotten” accounts obvious.

Document Management Systems

Use a scanner app (Adobe Scan, Microsoft Lens) to digitize every paper certificate, check, and statement immediately. Store in a cloud folder (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive) with a clear naming convention: “YYYY-MM-DD_Issuer_DocumentType”. Share this folder with your executor. This eliminates the “shoebox problem” entirely.

The Psychology of Financial Avoidance

Why do people ignore this? Behavioral finance explains it. “Ostrich effect” – avoiding negative information. But unclaimed property is positive information. “Mental accounting” – we treat found money differently. “Status quo bias” – inertia prevents action. Recognize these biases. Schedule a “Financial Archaeology Day” once a year. Block 2 hours. Search all databases. Update your inventory. The ROI on those 2 hours can be thousands of dollars per hour.

Corporate Responsibility: Due Diligence Requirements

Before escheating, holders (corporations, brokers, transfer agents) must perform “Due Diligence.” They must mail a notice to the last known address 60-120 days before reporting. This letter is your last chance to stop the escheatment. If you receive a “Due Diligence Letter,” respond immediately. Fill out the form, sign it, and mail it back certified. This keeps the asset with the holder. It is infinitely easier than claiming from the state. Furthermore, update your address with them at that moment.

Special Situations: Government Bonds, Class Actions, and Insurance

Class Action Settlements

If you owned stock in a company that had a securities fraud class action, you may be owed settlement money. These are administered by claims administrators (like Epiq, A.B. Data, JND). Search sec.gov for litigation releases or use sites like ClassActionRebates.com or TopClassActions.com. These funds also escheat to states if unclaimed. They often appear under the claims administrator’s name, not the company name.

Life Insurance and Annuities

Unclaimed life insurance policies are a massive category. Use the NAIC Life Insurance Policy Locator Service. It queries participating insurers. Also check state databases for “IN01” (Individual Policy Benefits) or “IN03” (Death Benefits). If you are a beneficiary, you need the policy number or the insured’s SSN and death certificate.

Uncashed Payroll and Vendor Checks

Old payroll checks, expense reimbursements, or vendor payments from companies you worked for or did business with also escheat. Search your name against former employer names in state databases. These are often coded “MS08” (Accounts Payable) or “MS09” (Credit Balances).

Building a Family Legacy Recovery Plan

Turn this into a family project. Interview older relatives. Ask: “Did you ever buy stock through a company plan?” “Did Grandpa work for a big corporation?” “Are there any stock certificates in the safe deposit box?” Document the answers. Create a family “Asset Map.” This preserves institutional knowledge. Furthermore, it prevents the heartbreak of discovering a $100,000 certificate was thrown out during a house cleanout because “it looked like old trash.”

Final Checklist for Complete Recovery

• Search MissingMoney.com (all name variations).
• Search individual state treasury sites for all states of residence/employment.
• Search Delaware specifically (corporate domicile state).
• Search TreasuryHunt.gov (Savings Bonds).
• Search PBGC.gov (Pensions).
• Search FDIC/NCUA (Failed banks).
• Request IRS Wage & Income Transcripts (10 years).
• Identify Transfer Agents for all suspected holdings.
• Contact Transfer Agents directly for “Lost Shareholder” reinstatement.
• Gather ID, SSN proof, address history, legal name change docs.
• Gather ownership proof (certificates, statements, tax transcripts, trade confirms).
• File state claims online with uploaded docs.
• Track claim status weekly; escalate if stalled >90 days.
• Consolidate recovered assets into single brokerage with TOD beneficiaries.
• Enable e-delivery and alerts on all accounts.
• Update Master Inventory and share with executor.

Conclusion: Your Money Is Waiting

The financial system is designed to protect assets, not to help you find them when the connection breaks. The responsibility falls entirely on you. However, the tools are free, public, and powerful. By systematically searching state and federal databases, engaging transfer agents directly, and assembling rigorous documentation, you can recover unclaimed dividend checks and forgotten corporate stock shares that rightfully belong to you or your heirs. Do not let bureaucracy or inertia separate you from your wealth. Start your search today. The assets you recover could fund a retirement contribution, a child’s education, or a charitable legacy. The only cost is your time; the potential return is unlimited.