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

Handling a loved one’s estate is hard enough. Discovering that they may have unclaimed money or property in Utah can add one more task to your list—but it can also mean recovering assets your family didn’t know existed.

This guide explains how heir claims usually work in Utah, what documents you may need, and how to move forward through official state channels. HowToGetAssistance.org is an independent information site, not a government office or application portal, so you’ll always need to submit any claim directly through Utah’s official resources.

Understanding Unclaimed Property and Heir Claims in Utah

What is “unclaimed property”?

In Utah, unclaimed property generally means money or property that belongs to a person but has been inactive or unclaimed for a certain period of time, such as:

• Bank accounts that haven’t been used
• Uncashed paychecks or vendor checks
• Utility deposits or refunds
• Insurance policy benefits
• Dividends, stocks, or safe deposit box contents

When a business or financial institution cannot reach the owner, state law usually requires them to turn those funds over to the state’s unclaimed property program after a set amount of time (a “dormancy period”).

The Utah unclaimed property program then holds these assets until the rightful owner—or their heirs—file a valid claim.

What is an heir claim?

An heir claim is when someone tries to claim unclaimed property on behalf of a deceased relative who was the original owner.

You are not claiming your own money—you are asking the state to recognize you as the legal heir or estate representative who is entitled to receive the deceased person’s property.

Common examples:

• A daughter claims uncashed life insurance benefits owed to her deceased father
• A spouse claims unclaimed utility refunds owed to a deceased partner
• A personal representative of an estate claims old bank accounts found in the decedent’s name

Who Can Usually Claim Unclaimed Property for a Deceased Person in Utah?

The state will only release property to someone who can legally receive it under Utah law. Typical eligible claimants include:

• Personal representative / executor of the estate
• Heirs at law (for example, surviving spouse, children, parents, or siblings—depending on the family situation)
• Trustee of a trust that is the legal owner or beneficiary

Key factors that usually matter

Utah will typically look at:

• Whether there is a will and whether it was probated in court
• Whether a personal representative has been formally appointed by a Utah court
• How large the estate is (small estates may use simplified procedures)
• Family relationships (spouse, child, parent, etc.)
• Any existing court orders about who is entitled to estate property

Because family situations can be complex, some people choose to speak with a Utah probate or estate attorney before filing a large or complicated claim. That is optional but can help in more difficult cases.

Step-by-Step: How Heir Claims in Utah Typically Work

The exact steps can change over time, but in general you will:

1. Search for unclaimed property under the deceased person’s name
2. Review the claim types and instructions on Utah’s official unclaimed property portal
3. Gather required documentation (identity, proof of death, proof of relationship, and sometimes probate documents)
4. Submit a claim as an heir or personal representative through Utah’s official website or by mail, following the program’s instructions
5. Respond to any follow-up requests from the Utah unclaimed property office
6. Receive payment or property if the claim is approved

All claiming steps are completed through Utah’s official unclaimed property program, not through HowToGetAssistance.org.

Step 1: Searching for Unclaimed Property in Utah

To start, you’ll search for the decedent’s name in Utah’s official unclaimed property database.

You will typically need:

• The full legal name of the deceased person
• Any known prior names (maiden names, previous married names, or legal name changes)
• Possible addresses in Utah where they lived or worked
• Any approximate dates they may have had the account or benefit

You can use the official unclaimed property search tool run by the Utah State Treasurer’s Office or the state program responsible for unclaimed property.

If you find a match, you’ll usually see:

• The owner’s name
• The reporting business or institution
• The type of property (for example, “payroll,” “bank account,” “insurance”)
• A rough or masked value category (sometimes not the exact amount online)
• A button or option to start a claim

Step 2: Identifying the Right Type of Heir Claim

When you begin a claim for a deceased relative, Utah’s system may ask you to choose a claim type that describes your relationship and role, for example:

• “Heir”
• “Personal Representative / Executor”
• “Trustee”
• “Other authorized representative”

Selecting the correct claim type is important because it determines:

• What documents you must submit
• How the property will be distributed
• Whether probate documents (like Letters Testamentary) are required

If you are not sure which type applies, look for help text or FAQs in the official portal, or contact the Utah unclaimed property office directly by phone or email for guidance.

Step 3: Documents You Typically Need for Utah Heir Claims

Utah generally requires documentation to prove:

1. The original owner is deceased
2. You are legally entitled to the property
3. The state has the correct person and property

Here’s a helpful overview:

*Exact requirements can change. Always follow the current instructions on Utah’s official unclaimed property site or forms.

Tips for gathering documents

• Request multiple certified copies of the death certificate if you will be handling several accounts or agencies.
• Track down old records like bank statements, pay stubs, or insurance letters that connect your relative to the business that reported the unclaimed property.
• If you can’t locate relationship documents (for example, a marriage certificate), contact the Utah Office of Vital Records and Statistics or the vital records office in the correct state or county.

Step 4: Filing an Heir Claim with Utah’s Official Program

Once you’ve found the property and gathered documents:

1. Start the claim on Utah’s official unclaimed property website

   • Choose the property you want to claim
   • Select that the owner is deceased
   • Identify yourself as heir, personal representative, or trustee

2. Complete the online form or printed form
   Typical information may include:

   • Your full legal name and contact information
   • Your relationship to the deceased
   • The deceased person’s information (name, date of death, last known address)
   • Claim type and required legal details

3. Upload or mail supporting documents as the portal instructs

   • Ensure names and dates are legible
   • If mailing, use copies unless the program specifically requires originals

4. Sign and date any required forms

   • Some claims may require a notarized signature

All filing is done directly with the Utah unclaimed property office. HowToGetAssistance.org does not process, submit, or review claims.

What Happens After You File a Claim?

After you submit your claim, the Utah unclaimed property office will usually:

1. Review your claim and documents

   • Confirm that the property belongs to the deceased person
   • Confirm that you are an authorized heir or representative

2. Request additional information or clarification if something is missing or unclear

   • You may receive a letter, email, or portal message asking for more proof

3. Approve or deny the claim

   • If approved, the state may send a check or transfer assets (depending on property type and current procedures)
   • If denied, you should receive an explanation of the reason

Typical timelines

Processing time may vary depending on:

• The volume of claims
• Completeness and clarity of your documents
• Whether probate issues or multiple heirs are involved

For more accurate timing, look for any estimated processing time on Utah’s official unclaimed property website, or contact their office directly.

Common Reasons Utah Heir Claims Are Delayed or Denied

Many issues can be avoided by carefully following the official instructions. Common problems include:

• Missing death certificate or incomplete proof of death
• No proof of relationship between the claimant and the deceased
• Conflicting information (for example, different spellings of names with no documentation showing a name change)
• Multiple heirs disputing who should receive the property
• No probate documents when Utah law requires a personal representative appointment
• Expired or incorrect forms submitted instead of the current official forms
• Illegible copies or documents in a foreign language without translation

If you receive a notice that your claim is incomplete, respond promptly with whatever the Utah unclaimed property office requests. They may close claims that remain inactive for too long.

How Utah Probate and Small Estates Affect Heir Claims

Whether you need to go through probate court can depend on:

• The total value of the deceased person’s assets
• Whether assets were held jointly or had named beneficiaries
• Whether there is a will
• Utah’s small estate procedures (which can change over time)

When probate documents are commonly needed

You will often need court-issued Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration if:

• The estate is substantial, and
• There is no simplified small-estate process that fits your situation

These documents show that the court has officially appointed you as the personal representative and that you have authority to handle assets in the estate, including unclaimed property.

Small estate affidavits

For certain smaller estates, Utah law may allow heirs to use a small estate affidavit or similar simplified document instead of full probate.

If you think this might apply, it can help to:

• Check the Utah state courts’ official website for small-estate information
• Ask the court clerk in the county where the person lived at death for guidance on forms and procedures
• Consider speaking with a Utah estate attorney if the situation is not straightforward

The unclaimed property office may have specific rules about when a small estate affidavit is acceptable, so review their instructions carefully.

When Multiple Heirs Are Involved

If the deceased person has more than one heir, Utah may:

• Require signatures from all heirs, or
• Require a court order or probate appointment designating one person to collect and distribute the property, or
• Distribute funds according to Utah intestacy law (the law that applies when someone dies without a will), if applicable

To avoid conflict and delays:

• Try to discuss the claim with other heirs before submitting
• Consider designating one person as personal representative through the probate court
• Keep copies of all documents you submit and receive

In disputes, the state unclaimed property office cannot act as a mediator or judge. They typically follow court orders and Utah law.

Appealing or Challenging a Denied Heir Claim

If your heir claim is denied, you generally have options:

1. Read the denial notice carefully

   • Look for the specific reason for denial
   • Note any deadlines to respond or appeal

2. Contact the Utah unclaimed property office

   • Ask what additional documentation could satisfy their requirements
   • Confirm if there is a formal appeal process or administrative review

3. Gather additional documents

   • Court orders, updated probate papers
   • Additional proof of relationship or identity

4. Consider legal advice

   • If the amount is large or the legal issues are complex, some people talk with a probate or estate attorney licensed in Utah

Always follow the official instructions in the letter or notice from Utah’s unclaimed property office.

Avoiding Scams When Claiming Unclaimed Property in Utah

Because unclaimed property can involve money, scammers sometimes target families with misleading offers.

Red flags to watch for

• Upfront fees for “guaranteed” claims
• Demands for credit card numbers, full Social Security numbers, or bank logins over the phone or email
• Messages claiming to be from the state that come from unofficial-looking email addresses or phone numbers
• Pressure to act immediately or risk “losing” your claim

How to verify you are on an official Utah channel

• Use the Utah State Treasurer or the official state unclaimed property office name when locating websites or phone numbers
• Look for .gov in government websites
• If you’re unsure, call a published government phone number from a trusted directory (not from an unexpected email link)
• Ask the representative to confirm that no fee is required to search or claim unclaimed property through the state

Utah’s official unclaimed property program does not charge you a fee to search for or claim your property. However, some private “finder” or “locator” services may offer, for a fee, to help you locate and claim property. If you consider using such services, read contracts carefully and remember that you can almost always claim directly through the state for free.

Alternatives if You Don’t Qualify or Can’t Complete the Claim

If you’re not eligible to claim or are unable to provide the required documents, possible next steps include:

• Ask another eligible heir (such as a sibling or surviving spouse) to consider pursuing probate or the claim
• Request guidance from the Utah unclaimed property office about what documentation could substitute for missing records
• Consult a Utah probate or estate attorney, especially if:
  • There are multiple heirs in disagreement
  • There is no clear proof of relationship
  • The property value is significant

In some situations, unclaimed property may remain with the state indefinitely until someone can prove they are the rightful heir or legal representative.

Quick Checklist: Getting Ready to Claim Unclaimed Property for a Deceased Relative in Utah

Use this as a starting point:

• ✅ Confirm the decedent lived in or had accounts in Utah
• ✅ Search the official Utah unclaimed property database by name (and prior names)
• ✅ Identify yourself correctly (heir, personal representative, trustee)
• ✅ Gather:
  • Your photo ID
  • Death certificate
  • Proof of relationship (birth/marriage/adoption documents)
  • Probate documents (Letters Testamentary, Letters of Administration, or small estate paperwork, if required)
  • Proof of the deceased’s last address or connection to the business that reported the funds
• ✅ Complete Utah’s official claim form or online process
• ✅ Respond promptly if the state asks for more information

By following Utah’s official procedures and providing clear documentation, many families are able to successfully recover unclaimed money and property owed to deceased relatives through the state’s unclaimed property program.