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

Losing a relative is hard enough. Finding out later that they may have unclaimed money or property in Missouri can feel confusing and time‑sensitive. This guide walks you through how heirs and estates in Missouri typically claim unclaimed assets, what to expect, and how to move forward through official state channels.

HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government agency or application site. This article is here to help you understand the usual process so you can work directly with the official Missouri offices that handle unclaimed property and estates.

Understanding Unclaimed Property in Missouri

In Missouri, unclaimed property usually refers to money or assets that belong to someone but haven’t been active or claimed for a certain period of time. Typical examples include:

• Bank accounts or credit union accounts
• Uncashed checks (payroll, refunds, insurance claim checks)
• Utility deposits or refunds
• Stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or dividends
• Insurance proceeds (such as life insurance benefits)
• Safe deposit box contents

When companies, banks, or insurers cannot contact the owner for a long time, Missouri law generally requires them to turn the property over to the state. In Missouri, unclaimed property is usually handled by the Missouri State Treasurer’s Office.

For a living person, claiming is usually straightforward. For a deceased person, the process is a bit more complex and may involve:

• The personal representative (executor or administrator) of the estate, or
• The heirs, if there is no formal estate administration or if the estate is closed

Who Can Claim a Deceased Person’s Unclaimed Property in Missouri?

For heir claims in Missouri, the state typically needs proof that:

1. The original owner is deceased, and
2. You have the legal right to receive their property.

Common eligible claimants include:

1. Court-Appointed Personal Representative

If a probate court has appointed someone to handle the estate, that person is usually called:

• Personal Representative
• Executor (if named in a will)
• Administrator (if there is no will)

They often have the strongest authority to claim unclaimed property on behalf of the estate.

You generally need:

• Letters Testamentary (for an executor named in a will), or
• Letters of Administration (for an administrator when there is no will)

These are official court documents that show you are legally authorized to act for the estate.

2. Heirs and Beneficiaries

If there is no active estate case, or the estate is too small for a full probate, or the estate has been closed, heirs may be able to claim the property directly, depending on:

• The value of the unclaimed property
• Whether there was a will
• Whether probate was ever opened
• Missouri’s rules on small estates and nonprobate transfers

You may qualify to claim as:

• A surviving spouse
• A child or other descendant
• A parent
• A sibling
• Another relative identified by Missouri’s intestate succession laws (how property is distributed if there is no will)
• A named beneficiary on a policy or account (if applicable)

The exact rules can be technical, so many people consult with a Missouri probate or estate attorney for guidance, especially if the property is valuable or if there are multiple heirs.

Step-by-Step: How to Find and Claim a Deceased Relative’s Unclaimed Property in Missouri

The process usually breaks down into a few key steps.

Step 1: Search for Unclaimed Property

You generally start with a name search through the official unclaimed property system for Missouri. You can:

• Use the official state unclaimed property website (search for “Missouri unclaimed property official site”)
• Contact the Missouri State Treasurer’s Office by phone for guidance if you prefer not to search online

Tips for searching:

• Try maiden names, previous last names, and common misspellings
• Try addresses or cities where the person lived or worked
• Search under the estate name if the property might have been listed that way

If you find records that appear to belong to your deceased relative, you can usually start a claim process online or by requesting paper claim forms from the state.

Step 2: Identify Your Role (Executor vs. Heir)

Before you fill out claim forms, determine:

• Was there a will?
• Was a probate case ever opened in Missouri?
• Is there a personal representative already appointed?

Common scenarios:

1. Open Estate + Personal Representative

   • The personal representative usually files the claim on behalf of the estate.
   • Any recovered funds become part of the estate assets and are then distributed according to the will or Missouri law.

2. Closed Estate

   • You may need copies of the probate orders or final distribution documents.
   • In some cases, individual heirs can claim based on what the court said they were entitled to.

3. No Probate ever opened

   • For small amounts, Missouri may allow heirs to claim directly using an affidavit or small-estate procedure.
   • For larger amounts, you may be required to open a probate case first.

Because thresholds and forms can change, it is important to:

• Review instructions on the official Missouri unclaimed property site, and
• Contact the probate division of the county circuit court where the person lived at death if you’re unsure about whether probate is needed.

Documents You Typically Need for an Heir Claim in Missouri

The exact documents can vary based on the size of the claim, your relationship to the deceased, and whether there was probate. However, these are common requirements:

Proof of the Original Owner’s Identity

• Copy of the deceased person’s photo ID (if available)
• Social Security number or at least last four digits (if requested on the form)
• Documents showing the address listed on the unclaimed property record (old utility bills, bank statements, tax forms, etc.)

Proof of Death

• Certified death certificate of the deceased owner
  • Some offices insist on a certified copy, not a photocopy.

Proof of Your Legal Right to Claim

Depending on your situation, you might need:

• Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration (if you are the personal representative)
• Copy of the will (if one exists)
• Court orders from the probate case (such as order of distribution)
• Small estate affidavit or similar form, if allowed under Missouri law
• Proof of relationship:
  • Birth certificates
  • Marriage certificate (for spouses)
  • Adoption papers, if applicable
• Beneficiary designation or policy documents, if you’re claiming as a named beneficiary rather than a general heir

Your Identity and Contact Information

• A valid photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport)
• Mailing address, phone number, and possibly an email address
• In some cases, documentation for name changes (marriage certificate, court order)

Quick Reference: Common Claim Situations and Documents

Below is a simplified comparison to help you see which documents might apply in your case. Requirements may change, so always confirm with the official Missouri agency.

*This table is a general reference. Official Missouri instructions may ask for additional or different documents based on the claim.

How to Submit an Heir Claim for Missouri Unclaimed Property

The Missouri State Treasurer’s Office generally offers two main submission methods:

1. Online Claim Initiation

Through the official Missouri unclaimed property portal, you can usually:

1. Search by name and select the property that belongs to your deceased relative.
2. Choose the claimant type (e.g., “heir,” “executor,” “estate representative”).
3. Complete the online claim form with details about:
   • The deceased person
   • Your relationship
   • The probate status (if any)
4. Print or electronically submit the claim (depending on how the site is set up).
5. Mail in supporting documents, if the portal tells you to, or upload them if that option is available.

Online tools are usually for starting the process; you still must provide official documentation before a claim is approved.

2. Paper or Mail-In Claims

If you prefer not to use the online system or if the claim type is complex, you can:

• Contact the Missouri State Treasurer’s Office and request paper claim forms, or
• Download and print claim forms from the official site (if available)

Typical steps:

1. Fill out the claim form carefully, making sure names, dates, and addresses match your supporting documents as closely as possible.
2. Attach copies or certified copies of all required documents (only send originals if specifically instructed, or provide certified copies).
3. Mail the claim packet to the address provided on the official form.

Many people keep copies of everything they send in case follow-up is needed.

What Happens After You File an Heir Claim?

Once you submit your claim:

1. Initial review
   Staff at the Missouri State Treasurer’s Office generally review your documents to verify:

   • The original owner’s identity
   • That the owner is deceased
   • Your legal right to claim as heir or representative

2. Requests for additional information
   If something is missing or unclear, you may receive:

   • A letter or email explaining what else is needed
   • A deadline to respond before the claim is closed or delayed

3. Decision and payment
   If the claim is approved, the state typically:

   • Issues a check payable to the estate or to you, depending on how you filed
   • In some cases, transfers securities or other types of property according to state rules

Processing times vary. Some claims are handled fairly quickly; others take longer if:

• The amount is large
• Multiple heirs are involved
• Probate records are complex or incomplete

If you have not heard back after a reasonable period, you can usually call the Missouri unclaimed property office and ask for a status update.

Common Reasons Missouri Heir Claims Get Delayed or Denied

Many delays come down to missing or mismatched information. Some typical issues include:

• No proof of authority
  • Filing as executor or administrator without including Letters Testamentary/Administration
• Insufficient proof of relationship
  • Claiming as an heir without birth certificates, marriage certificate, or other documentation
• Name mismatches
  • Different spellings, nicknames, or name changes without supporting documentation
• Unclear probate status
  • Not explaining whether probate was opened, closed, or never started
• Conflicting heir claims
  • Multiple people claiming the same property without clear proof of priority or distribution

If your claim is denied, you may:

• Receive a letter stating why it was denied
• Be able to resubmit with additional documents
• In complicated cases, consider contacting a Missouri attorney who handles probate or estate matters to review your options

How Missouri Probate and Small Estates Affect Heir Claims

Whether you can claim directly as an heir often depends on Missouri probate rules and the value of the deceased person’s property.

Full Probate

Full probate may be needed if:

• The deceased had significant assets solely in their name, or
• There is disagreement among heirs

In that case:

• The personal representative is usually the one to claim unclaimed property
• The property becomes part of the estate, to be distributed according to the will or Missouri intestacy law

Small Estate or Affidavit Procedures

Missouri sometimes allows simplified procedures for smaller estates. These can:

• Make it easier for heirs to collect funds without a full probate case
• Require specific affidavit forms and waiting periods after death

If you think the estate was small, you can:

• Contact the probate division of the circuit court in the county where the deceased lived
• Ask whether a small estate process might apply and what forms are needed

Small-estate affidavits and similar tools can often be used to claim bank accounts, unclaimed property, or other modest assets, but requirements are strict and may change over time.

Verifying You Are Using Official Missouri Channels

Because unclaimed property can attract scammers, it’s important to make sure you are dealing with official state offices.

Here are practical tips:

• Look for “.gov” in web addresses when dealing with government sites
• Use search terms like “Missouri State Treasurer unclaimed property official site” and verify that the site clearly identifies itself as an official state office
• Be cautious of:
  • Websites that charge a fee just to show you what property may be available
  • People who contact you out of nowhere, demanding upfront payments or personal financial information
• If you receive a letter saying the state has unclaimed property, you can:
  • Call the Missouri State Treasurer’s Office using the phone number listed on the official Missouri government website, not just the number on the letter
• Do not share:
  • Full Social Security numbers
  • Bank account numbers
  • Other sensitive information
    unless you are sure you are on an official government channel or working with a verified professional you chose yourself.

Missouri does allow some “finders” or “asset locators” to operate legally, but you are never required to use them to claim unclaimed property. You can always work directly with the state.

When to Consider Getting Legal Help

Not everyone needs a lawyer to handle an heir claim, especially for simple, low‑value cases. But you may want to speak with a Missouri probate or estate attorney if:

• The unclaimed property amount is large
• There is no clear agreement among heirs
• You’re unsure whether probate is required
• There are multiple properties in different states or complex assets
• The state has denied your claim, and you don’t understand why

An attorney can help you:

• Understand your rights as an heir under Missouri law
• Decide whether to open or reopen probate
• Prepare proper affidavits or court filings
• Respond to state requests or appeal decisions when appropriate

If cost is a concern, you can:

• Call 211 to ask about local legal aid resources
• Contact legal aid organizations in Missouri that sometimes offer free or low-cost help for qualifying residents
• Ask your county bar association if they have a referral service or reduced-fee programs

If You Don’t Qualify or Cannot Prove Heirship

Sometimes, a person may be related to the deceased but cannot provide the required documentation to prove their claim. In those situations:

• The state may delay or deny the claim until proper proof is provided
• Other relatives who can provide the necessary documents may be able to claim instead
• In some cases, funds remain with the state until a valid claim is made

If you cannot claim as an heir, you still might:

• Help another relative who does qualify gather documents
• Work with an attorney to see if additional records (such as court documents, older vital records, or DNA evidence in rare cases) can support your claim

Missouri usually does not take ownership in the sense of spending the funds for itself permanently. Instead, funds typically remain held for the rightful owner or heirs, subject to state law.

By understanding how heir claims for unclaimed property work in Missouri, gathering the right documents, and contacting the official Missouri State Treasurer’s Office or local probate court when needed, you can give yourself the best chance of successfully recovering assets that belong to your deceased relative’s estate.