Heir Asset Recovery Center
The Overlooked Heart Of The
Excess Proceeds Market
Every year, properties are sold through foreclosure or tax sale for more than the owner owed. The surplus belongs to the former owner—or, if they have passed away, to their heirs. Billions go unclaimed because families do not know the funds exist.
No upfront cost for qualified claims · No guarantee of recovery · Attorney-led filing where appropriate
Attorney Fee Structure
No Upfront Cost For Qualified Claims
For qualified claims, the claimant does not pay upfront. Approved claim expenses and attorney filing costs may be advanced from recovered funds. Attorney approval is required. Recovery is not guaranteed. Eligibility must be verified. NEPEX is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.
Our Mission
The Heir Asset Recovery Center exists to close the information gap between government surplus-funds programs and the families who are entitled to those funds. We are not a law firm. We do not provide legal representation. What we provide is knowledge: clear, accurate, actionable information about how excess proceeds work, who is entitled to them, and what steps families must take to file a successful claim.
For adult children who lost a parent, for grandchildren navigating multi-generational inheritance questions, for siblings and executors and family members trying to do right by someone who has passed—our resources are designed to help you understand your position and take the next step.
Explore By Situation
Select the scenario that best describes your family's circumstances. Each guide provides tailored information and a clear path forward.
Parent Lost a Property
If your mother or father lost a home through foreclosure or tax sale, there may be surplus funds held by the county or trustee that belong to their estate—and, by extension, to you.
Read GuideGrandparent Lost a Property
Multi-generational claims can be complex. Learn what rights grandchildren have when a grandparent's property was sold and surplus funds remain unclaimed.
Read GuideSibling Lost a Property
Brothers and sisters of a deceased property owner may be entitled to a share of excess proceeds. Understand the distribution rules that apply when no surviving spouse or children exist.
Read GuideProperty Was Sold After Death
When a property is sold through foreclosure or tax sale after the owner passes away, the resulting surplus often becomes an overlooked asset of the estate.
Read GuideProbate Was Never Opened
Many families never open probate—sometimes because there appeared to be nothing to probate. Excess proceeds may change that calculation.
Read GuideMultiple Heirs Are Involved
Coordinating claims across multiple heirs can be challenging. Learn the procedures for joint claims, apportionment, and resolving disputes among family members.
Read GuideMissing Heirs
When one or more heirs cannot be located, the claims process can stall. Understand the legal tools available to proceed while protecting absent heirs' interests.
Read GuideEstate May Be Owed Money
How to determine whether a deceased relative's estate is entitled to unclaimed surplus funds—and what to do if it is.
Read GuideExecutor Checklist
A comprehensive step-by-step guide for executors and administrators navigating the excess proceeds recovery process on behalf of an estate.
Read GuideFamily Document Checklist
A detailed inventory of the documents heirs typically need to prove their entitlement and file a successful claim for excess proceeds.
Read GuideHow Excess Proceeds Work
Property Is Sold
A property is sold at foreclosure or tax sale for more than the debt owed. The difference—the surplus—is held by the county, trustee, or court.
Funds Go Unclaimed
The original owner may have passed away, moved, or never been notified. Heirs often have no idea the funds exist, and the money sits unclaimed for years.
Heirs Can Claim
With the right documentation and a properly filed claim, heirs can recover funds that legally belong to them through the estate of the deceased owner.
What Every Heir Should Know
Time Limits Apply
Most states impose a deadline—often 1 to 5 years—for claiming excess proceeds. Once the deadline passes, the funds may escheat to the state or be permanently forfeited. Acting promptly is essential.
Intestate Succession Rules Vary
When someone dies without a will, state intestacy laws determine who inherits. These laws differ significantly by state and can affect spousal shares, children's rights, and the priority of more distant relatives.
Probate May Be Required
Even if probate was never opened, a court proceeding may be necessary to establish the estate's right to the surplus and to authorize distribution to the heirs.
Documentation Is Everything
Successful claims depend on documentation: death certificates, proof of heirship, court orders, and affidavits. Missing or incomplete paperwork is the most common reason claims are delayed or denied.
Important Notice
The National Excess Proceeds Exchange is not a law firm. We do not provide legal advice, representation, or legal services. The information on this page is for educational purposes only. Each situation is unique, and we strongly recommend consulting with a qualified attorney licensed in the relevant jurisdiction.
Ready To See If Your Family Is Owed Money?
Use our free search tool to check for unclaimed excess proceeds that may belong to your relative's estate. The search takes less than a minute.
Search For Unclaimed Funds