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

When someone passes away in Wisconsin, they may leave behind unclaimed assets such as old bank accounts, refunds, insurance proceeds, or safe deposit box contents that were never delivered to them. Wisconsin’s unclaimed property program holds this money until it is claimed by the owner or their heirs.

This guide explains how heir claims for unclaimed property in Wisconsin typically work, what documents you may need, how to start an heir claim for a deceased relative, and how to avoid common problems. It is for general information only. HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government office, not an official portal, and you cannot file a claim through this site. To claim property, you must use the official Wisconsin unclaimed property office or portal.

What Is Unclaimed Property in Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, unclaimed property usually includes things like:

• Bank accounts (checking, savings, CDs) with no activity for a certain time
• Uncashed checks (payroll, refunds, dividends)
• Utility or security deposits
• Insurance proceeds or benefits
• Stocks, mutual funds, or dividends
• Safe deposit box contents turned over to the state

When a business, bank, or insurer tries and fails to reach the owner for a set period (called a dormancy period), they are usually required to send that money or property to the State of Wisconsin’s unclaimed property program.

If the owner has died, eligible heirs may be able to claim it as part of the estate or as legal heirs.

Who Can Claim Unclaimed Assets for a Deceased Person in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin follows state inheritance and estate rules to decide who is allowed to claim unclaimed property when the original owner has died. Typically, one of the following people may be able to file a claim:

• Personal representative / executor of the estate (if there is a probate case)
• Surviving spouse or registered domestic partner
• Children of the deceased
• Other heirs (parents, siblings, grandchildren, etc.) according to Wisconsin intestacy rules
• Trustee, if the property belongs to a trust
• Court-appointed representative, such as an administrator for an estate with no will

Who can claim and what documents are needed can depend on:

• Whether there is a will
• Whether the estate went through probate
• The total value of the estate
• How long it has been since the person passed away

Because the rules can be detailed, many people contact the Wisconsin unclaimed property office, the probate court, or a Wisconsin probate attorney for guidance, especially for larger or more complicated estates.

Step 1: Search for Unclaimed Property in Wisconsin

To start an heir claim, you first need to see if there is any unclaimed property in your deceased relative’s name.

1. Gather basic information about your relative, such as:

   • Full legal name (including any prior names or spellings)
   • Last known address in Wisconsin
   • Date of birth and date of death

2. Search the official Wisconsin unclaimed property website.

   • Use the search tool to look up the deceased relative’s name.
   • Try variations (maiden names, middle initials, common misspellings).

3. Check other states as well, if your relative:

   • Lived or worked in another state
   • Owned property or a business in another state
   • Had out-of-state bank accounts or investments

To find other states’ unclaimed property offices, you can search online for phrases like “[state name] official unclaimed property” and confirm you are on a .gov site or a clearly identified state treasury/unclaimed property portal.

Step 2: Confirm It’s Actually Your Relative’s Property

Before you begin an heir claim, make sure the property you see listed probably belongs to your deceased relative:

• Match name and address
  • Does the address match where your relative lived, worked, or did business?
• Look at the holder
  • Is the organization familiar (for example, a bank they used, employer, insurance company)?
• Check approximate value and type
  • Is it consistent with something they might have had (a life insurance policy, a utility deposit, etc.)?

If it looks like a likely match, move on to the claim process. If you’re unsure, you can usually contact the Wisconsin unclaimed property office directly and ask about what documentation might clarify ownership.

Step 3: Understand the Types of Heir Claims in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, the claim process will usually depend on the estate situation. The table below gives a simple comparison of common scenarios:

The Wisconsin unclaimed property office typically has specific instructions and forms for:

• Claims by an estate
• Claims by a surviving spouse
• Claims by children or other heirs
• Claims on behalf of a business or trust

Always review the official claim instructions for Wisconsin before sending anything.

Step 4: Gather Required Documents for an Heir Claim

Requirements can vary by case, but heir claim packages in Wisconsin usually include several types of documents:

1. Proof the Original Owner Has Died

Commonly requested:

• Certified death certificate
• Sometimes an obituary or other supporting documentation

2. Proof of Your Identity

You’ll usually need:

• A valid, government-issued photo ID, such as:
  • Driver’s license
  • State ID
  • U.S. or foreign passport
  • Military ID

If the name on your ID is different from your birth name or earlier documents (for example, due to marriage or divorce), you may also need:

• Marriage certificate
• Divorce decree
• Court order for name change

3. Proof of Relationship to the Deceased

To show that you’re an eligible heir, Wisconsin typically requires documents such as:

• Birth certificate (child of the deceased)
• Marriage certificate (spouse)
• Adoption decree (if applicable)
• Other documents that prove your relationship for more distant relatives (siblings, parents, grandchildren), such as multiple birth or death certificates linking you to the decedent

4. Estate or Probate Documents (If Applicable)

If a probate case has been opened, you may be asked for:

• Letters of testamentary or letters of administration naming the estate representative
• Copy of the will (if there is one)
• Court orders regarding distribution or closing of the estate

5. Proof of Address or Ownership for the Deceased (Optional but Helpful)

Sometimes, to confirm the match, it helps to include:

• Old utility bills
• Bank statements
• Insurance policies
• Tax documents
• Any correspondence from the business listed as the property holder

The exact list for your situation should come from the official Wisconsin unclaimed property claim instructions or from speaking with the state’s unclaimed property office.

Step 5: File an Heir Claim with Wisconsin’s Unclaimed Property Program

You cannot file heir claims through HowToGetAssistance.org. To claim unclaimed assets for a deceased relative, you need to go through the official Wisconsin unclaimed property office.

In Wisconsin, the process often looks like this:

1. Start the claim online

   • On the official unclaimed property website, search for the property and select it.
   • Indicate that the owner is deceased and that you are an heir, executor, or representative.
   • Complete the online claim form with requested information.

2. Print or receive claim forms

   • Many systems generate a claim form at the end of the online process.
   • Some allow you to request a paper form by mail if you prefer or if you can’t use the online system.

3. Gather and attach required documents

   • Follow the checklist on the claim form for your specific claim type (heir, estate, trust, etc.).
   • Provide certified copies when required, not just photocopies.

4. Submit your claim

   • Claims may usually be submitted by mail to the address listed on the form.
   • Some states allow online upload of documents; check whether Wisconsin offers this for your type of claim.

5. Keep copies of everything

   • Make a complete copy of your claim form and all documents you send.
   • Note the date you mailed or submitted the claim and any tracking number.

What Happens After You File an Heir Claim in Wisconsin?

After you submit your claim, the unclaimed property office generally:

1. Reviews your claim form and documents

   • Staff check that the name, relationship, and estate status match their records.
   • They confirm you have authority to receive the funds.

2. Requests more information if needed

   • If something is missing or unclear, they may send you a letter, email, or request in the online portal.
   • Responding quickly can help avoid delays.

3. Approves or denies the claim

   • If approved, the state usually issues a check or processes the payment according to their policies.
   • If denied, you may receive a written explanation.

Processing times can vary based on:

• The complexity of the estate
• The volume of claims at that time
• Whether your documentation was complete and clear

If you are unsure about status, you can contact the Wisconsin unclaimed property office using the official phone number or contact form listed on the state’s website.

Common Reasons Heir Claims Get Delayed or Denied

Many heir claims in Wisconsin are delayed or denied for issues that can be prevented. Some common problems include:

• Missing death certificate or only a photocopy when a certified copy is required
• No proof of relationship (for example, child claims without a birth certificate showing the parent)
• Incomplete estate documents, like missing letters of appointment
• Multiple heirs with no clear agreement or documentation about who should receive the funds
• Name mismatches (maiden vs. married name, spelling differences) without supporting documents
• Sending unclear copies (blurry or cut off) that are hard for staff to read

To reduce the risk of problems:

• Double-check the claim instructions for your specific situation.
• Make sure all names and dates match across documents.
• Include extra documentation that connects the deceased to the property, if you have it.

If Your Heir Claim Is Denied in Wisconsin

If Wisconsin denies your heir claim:

1. Review the denial notice carefully

   • It should explain the main reason (for example, not enough proof of relationship, wrong claimant, missing legal authority).

2. Correct the issue if possible

   • You may be able to re-file with additional documents or with the correct person as the claimant (such as the court-appointed personal representative).

3. Contact the unclaimed property office with questions

   • You can call or write the office to clarify what is needed.
   • In some situations, you may want to consult a Wisconsin probate attorney or legal aid service.

4. Ask about any appeal or review process

   • Some state agencies allow a formal reconsideration or administrative review.
   • If an appeal process exists, follow the directions and deadlines exactly.

Special Situations to Be Aware Of

Multiple Heirs

When several people are entitled to the deceased’s property:

• The unclaimed property office may require:
  • A list of all heirs,
  • Proof of relationship for each, and
  • A signed agreement about who will file and receive the funds.

Sometimes, one heir is designated to file the claim and then share the funds separately according to Wisconsin inheritance laws or a private agreement. The state usually does not settle disputes among heirs; if there is a disagreement, a probate court or attorney may be needed.

Very Old Deaths or Missing Documents

If the death occurred many years ago and documents are hard to find:

• You may need to obtain certified copies from the Wisconsin vital records office or from the relevant county.
• If records are missing or incomplete, you might be asked to provide alternative evidence, such as older records, affidavits, or court orders.

The unclaimed property office can usually explain what substitutes (if any) they will accept when standard documents are not available.

Out-of-State Heirs

You do not have to live in Wisconsin to claim unclaimed property held there:

• You can typically file a claim by mail or use any available online submission tools.
• If your ID or documents are from another state or country, you may want to include a brief explanation and ensure everything is translated if not in English, following any official guidance.

Alternatives and Next Steps if You’re Unsure

If you’re not sure whether you qualify to claim unclaimed assets for a deceased relative in Wisconsin, or you’re confused by the instructions, you might consider:

• Calling the Wisconsin unclaimed property office

  • Ask what claim type applies to your situation and what documents are required.

• Contacting a Wisconsin probate attorney

  • Especially helpful if:
    • The estate is large or complex,
    • There are disputes among heirs, or
    • There are multiple states involved.

• Reaching out to legal aid or a community legal clinic

  • Some non-profit organizations offer free or low-cost advice about estates and inheritance.

Remember: HowToGetAssistance.org is an informational resource only. To actually claim unclaimed property, you must work with the official Wisconsin unclaimed property program, the probate court, or another official channel.

How to Verify You’re Using an Official Wisconsin Channel (Avoiding Scams)

Because unclaimed property can involve money, there are sometimes scams. To help protect yourself:

• ✅ Look for .gov domains

  • Official Wisconsin state websites usually end in “.gov”.

• ✅ Be cautious of unsolicited emails or calls

  • If someone contacts you claiming there is money waiting for you and asks for a fee or personal information, verify directly with the state unclaimed property office using a phone number you look up independently.

• ✅ Know that most state unclaimed property programs do not charge claim fees

  • Some private “finders” or “heir location services” legally charge a percentage to help locate and claim property, but you are not required to use them. You can usually claim directly with the state at no cost.

• ✅ Do not share full Social Security numbers or bank details by email with anyone who is not clearly verified as part of the official process.

If in doubt, you can call the Wisconsin Department of Revenue or Treasury office (whichever is listed as managing unclaimed property in Wisconsin at the time you read this) and ask if a website, letter, or phone number is legitimate before giving information.

By following the official Wisconsin unclaimed property instructions, gathering the right documents, and confirming that you are using an official state channel, you can typically navigate the heir claim process for a deceased relative’s unclaimed assets in a clear, step-by-step way.