Heir Claims in Georgia: How to Claim Unclaimed Assets for a Deceased Relative

Handling a loved one’s estate is hard enough without having to track down money or property you didn’t even know existed. In Georgia, unclaimed property laws allow heirs and estates to claim forgotten bank accounts, insurance payouts, utility deposits, and other assets that were never delivered to the rightful owner.

This guide explains, in plain English, how heirs in Georgia typically claim unclaimed assets for a deceased relative, what to expect, and how to move forward through official state channels. HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government agency or claim-processing office, but this overview can help you understand the usual steps so you can contact the correct official office with confidence.

What Is “Unclaimed Property” in Georgia?

In Georgia, unclaimed property generally means money or financial assets that:

• Belong to an individual or business
• Have had no activity or contact for a set period (often 1–5 years, depending on the type)
• Were turned over to the state’s unclaimed property program for safekeeping

Common examples that heirs might claim for a deceased relative include:

• Bank accounts (checking, savings, CDs)
• Uncashed checks (payroll, vendor checks, dividends)
• Life insurance benefits where the beneficiary never claimed payment
• Utility deposits or rental deposits
• Stock dividends or other investment-related funds
• Refunds, credits, or escrow balances

Georgia typically does not treat real estate as unclaimed property in this context. However, proceeds from a sold property (like an overage from a tax sale) may sometimes end up in unclaimed funds.

The state holds this property on behalf of the rightful owner or their heirs until a valid claim is approved. There’s usually no fee charged by the state to file a claim.

Who Can Claim Unclaimed Property for a Deceased Person in Georgia?

Not everyone can step forward and request a deceased person’s funds. Georgia’s rules generally recognize the following as potential claimants:

1. The Estate’s Personal Representative

• If the deceased person’s estate is in probate and a court has appointed an executor or administrator, that person usually has priority to claim unclaimed property.
• They will typically need court-issued documents showing their authority (letters testamentary or letters of administration).

2. Heirs Under Georgia Intestacy Laws

If there is no will or no active probate estate, Georgia intestacy rules usually determine who inherits. Common categories include:

• Surviving spouse
• Children (including, in some cases, adopted children)
• Parents if no spouse/children
• Siblings if no closer relatives

In these situations, the state’s unclaimed property office often requires proof of relationship and may require documentation to show that the claimant is entitled to inherit under Georgia law.

3. Named Beneficiaries on Specific Accounts

For assets like life insurance policies, payable-on-death (POD) accounts, or retirement accounts, the claimant is usually the named beneficiary, even if that person is not the same person who would inherit under the will.

If the named beneficiary has also died, then the rules can be more complex and may fall back to the estate or next eligible heir.

Step-by-Step: How Heir Claims for a Deceased Relative Usually Work in Georgia

Most people go through a process similar to this when claiming unclaimed property for someone who has died in Georgia:

Step 1: Search for Unclaimed Property

You generally start by searching your relative’s name on the official Georgia unclaimed property portal or by contacting the state agency that manages unclaimed funds.

You’ll typically need:

• The decedent’s full legal name (including prior names or married names)
• Sometimes last known address or the city where they lived or worked
• If available, their Social Security number can help narrow searches, but it’s often not required for an initial look-up

You can also:

• Search for your own name if you think you might be listed as an owner or co-owner
• Check for business names if your relative owned a company

Step 2: Identify Which Claims You May Be Eligible to File

Review the search results carefully:

• Some may list the deceased person’s name as the owner
• Others may list a business, trust, or estate name
• Property types (e.g., “bank account,” “insurance,” “wages”) may be indicated

For each item, consider:

• Are you a personal representative of the estate (executor/administrator)?
• Are you a beneficiary named on the account/policy?
• Are you an heir under Georgia intestacy rules if there is no will?

Georgia’s unclaimed property office often has different claim forms or document requirements depending on whether you are:

• Claiming as Executor/Administrator of Estate
• Claiming as Heir of Deceased Owner
• Claiming as Named Beneficiary

Step 3: Gather Required Documents

For heir claims in Georgia, documentation is crucial. While exact requirements can vary by case, type of property, and amount, expect to gather:

Basic documents for the deceased (decedent):

• Death certificate (certified copy is usually required)
• Proof of last known address (such as old bills, bank statements, or tax records)
• Social Security number (sometimes requested; Documents that show it may be needed)

Documents showing your authority or relationship:

• If you are the executor/administrator:

  • Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration from a Georgia probate court
  • Possibly a copy of the will (if one exists)

• If you are an heir (no formal estate or estate is closed):

  • Proof of relationship, such as:
    • Birth certificate (to show parent-child relationship)
    • Marriage certificate (to show spouse status)
    • Other records depending on the relationship
  • Sometimes an heirship affidavit or similar documentation may be requested to confirm the list of heirs.

• If you are a named beneficiary:

  • Proof of identity (driver’s license, state ID, or passport)
  • Any policy or account information you may have
  • Documents that show you are the person named as beneficiary (policy statements, beneficiary designation, etc., if available)

Your own identification:

• Photo ID (state-issued ID, driver’s license, or passport)
• Proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or similar document)

If multiple heirs exist, the state may require consents, waivers, or documentation from other heirs, especially if one person is filing on behalf of everyone.

Typical Documents by Claim Type (Quick Reference)

*Exact documentation may vary based on property type, value, and state procedures. The official Georgia unclaimed property office or probate court can clarify what is needed for your situation.

Step 4: Complete the Official Claim Form

Once you know which property you are claiming and your role, you will usually need to:

1. Download or request the correct claim form from the official Georgia unclaimed property office.
2. Fill out the form with:
   • Your full legal name and contact information
   • The property ID or claim number from the search results
   • Your relationship to the deceased owner
   • Any requested details about the decedent (date of death, last address, etc.)
3. Sign and date the form. Some claims may require your signature to be notarized.

Always check that:

• Names are spelled correctly and match your ID
• The property ID numbers are clearly written
• All required sections are complete

Incomplete forms are a common reason for delays.

Step 5: Submit Your Claim and Supporting Documents

Georgia usually allows claims to be:

• Mailed to the address of the state unclaimed property program
• Sometimes submitted online (for certain claim types or smaller amounts) by uploading scans
• Occasionally handled partly by mail and partly online, depending on the system in place

Heir claims, especially involving a deceased owner and probate documents, are often processed by mail or secure upload rather than being fully automated.

To avoid problems:

• Include copies of all requested documents (and certified copies where specified)
• Keep copies of everything you send for your records
• Use a trackable mailing method when sending important original documents or certified copies

Step 6: What Happens After You File an Heir Claim in Georgia?

Once your claim reaches the official Georgia unclaimed property office, the usual process is:

1. Initial review: Staff check that your form is complete and that required documents are present.
2. Verification:
   • They confirm the property belongs to the deceased person you identified.
   • They verify your authority (e.g., executor status) or your relationship as an heir or beneficiary.
3. Additional information (if needed):
   • They may mail or email you requesting more documents or clarification.
   • This is common when there are multiple heirs, missing pages, or name discrepancies.
4. Approval or denial:
   • If approved, payment is generally made by check mailed to you or, in some cases, as a direct deposit if the system allows.
   • If denied, you may receive a notice explaining why and any options for correction or appeal.

Typical Timelines

Processing time can depend on:

• Claim complexity (simple individual claims vs. multiple heirs/business estates)
• Value of the property
• How quickly you respond to requests for additional information

Many people experience processing times ranging from a few weeks to several months. For large or complicated estates, it may take longer.

Common Reasons Heir Claims Get Delayed or Denied

Understanding common pitfalls can help you avoid them:

1. Missing or incomplete documentation

   • No certified death certificate
   • No Letters Testamentary / Administration when claiming as executor
   • No proof of relationship for heir claims

2. Name mismatches

   • The name on the unclaimed property doesn’t match the spelling on your documents
   • The deceased used a nickname or former married name that isn’t clearly connected in your paperwork

3. Unclear heirship

   • Multiple possible heirs but no clear documentation of who is legally entitled
   • Disputes among family members about who should receive the funds

4. Incorrect claim form type

   • Filing as an individual heir when you should be filing as an estate representative, or vice versa

5. Outdated contact information

   • The agency can’t reach you to request additional information or clarify details

If your claim is denied or you receive a request for more documentation, carefully read the notice and contact the official Georgia unclaimed property office or your probate attorney (if you have one) for guidance on what to do next.

Do You Need a Lawyer to File an Heir Claim in Georgia?

Many people successfully file simple unclaimed property claims without an attorney, particularly when:

• The amount is relatively small
• There is no dispute among heirs
• There’s a straightforward proof of relationship (e.g., spouse, child)

However, it may be helpful to consult a Georgia probate or estate attorney when:

• There is a large amount of money or complex investments
• There are multiple heirs with disagreements or unclear rights
• The deceased had property in more than one state
• You need to open or reopen a probate estate to obtain Letters Testamentary or Administration

An attorney can help interpret Georgia’s inheritance laws, draft heirship documents, and communicate with the unclaimed property office if issues arise.

How Georgia Heir Claims Interact with Probate

Unclaimed property often becomes important in two situations:

1. During probate:

   • The executor or administrator may discover unclaimed funds while gathering the decedent’s assets.
   • These assets are then typically added to the estate and distributed according to the will or intestacy laws.

2. After probate is closed, or when no probate was opened:

   • An heir discovers unclaimed property years later.
   • Depending on the amount and state rules, you may:
     • Need to reopen the estate to claim the funds officially through the estate, or
     • Be allowed to claim as an heir directly, providing proof of relationship and heirship documents.

The local probate court in the Georgia county where the deceased lived can often explain whether you need to open or reopen an estate to handle the unclaimed property.

Verifying You’re Using the Official Georgia Unclaimed Property Office

Because unclaimed funds can be a target for scams, it’s important to make sure you are dealing with official channels. Some tips:

• The official state program will not ask you to pay a large fee just to look up your name or submit a basic claim.
• Be cautious of:
  • Unsolicited calls or letters demanding upfront payments to “release” funds
  • Websites that look unofficial or request sensitive information without clear state identification
• To confirm you’re on a legitimate site or dealing with the real agency:
  • Look for clear references to the State of Georgia and a recognized state agency name.
  • You can call a published phone number for the state treasury or revenue department (or similar state office) and ask how to access the official unclaimed property service.
  • You may also ask your local probate court or county clerk’s office which official state office handles unclaimed property.

If you receive offers from “finders” or “locators” who say they can help you claim funds for a fee:

• Georgia typically allows such services, but they cannot replace the official claim process.
• Carefully review any contract, watch for excessive fees, and remember that you can usually file on your own for free through the official program.

Where to Go Next

To move forward with an heir claim in Georgia:

1. Gather basic information about the deceased: full legal name, past addresses, date of death, and any known accounts or policies.
2. Search for unclaimed property through the official Georgia unclaimed property program (usually via the state treasury or similar agency, or by phone if you are unsure about websites).
3. Identify your role (executor, heir, beneficiary) and see which types of claim forms and documents apply to you.
4. Contact the official Georgia unclaimed property office or your local probate court if you are uncertain about what documents you need.
5. Submit your claim following the instructions from the official agency, keeping copies of everything you provide.

HowToGetAssistance.org cannot take applications, process claims, or check statuses for you. But by understanding how heir claims in Georgia normally work, you can approach the appropriate state office or probate court better prepared to claim any unclaimed assets your deceased relative may have left behind.