Educational intake and coordination. Not a law firm. No upfront cost for qualified claims.

National Excess Proceeds Exchange — NEPEX

The Process

How The Process Works

NEPEX assists with education, intake, and documentation. Qualifying matters are referred to independent licensed attorneys who handle all legal filings and distributions. Here is exactly what that process looks like, step by step.

No Upfront Attorney Fees In Qualifying Matters

Many people assume they need thousands of dollars to pursue an excess proceeds claim. In qualifying matters, attorney fees and case-related costs may be advanced and paid from recovered funds rather than requiring payment upfront from the claimant. Attorney approval is required. Recovery is not guaranteed. Claim eligibility is not guaranteed. Every case is different.

Step 1

Educational Review

Everything begins with education. Before any commitment is asked of you, we help you understand whether a forced sale occurred, whether surplus funds may exist, what the claim process typically involves, and whether your situation appears to qualify for further review.

  • We ask about the property, the type of sale, the former owner's status, and your relationship to the property.
  • We explain what excess proceeds are and how they arise from different types of forced sales.
  • We help you understand the general process in your state and county.
  • No obligation is created by completing an educational review.
Step 2

Document Collection

If your situation appears to qualify, we guide you through gathering the documentation that may be needed. Complete, accurate documentation is the single most important factor in whether a claim can move forward.

  • Property records — deed, parcel number, legal description, tax account.
  • Sale records — foreclosure or tax sale documentation, trustee's deed, sheriff's deed.
  • Ownership history — chain of title, probate filings if the former owner is deceased.
  • Identity documents — government-issued identification for all claiming parties.
  • Heirship documentation — death certificates, family relationship records, letters testamentary.
Step 3

Case Evaluation

We organize the information gathered and evaluate whether the matter appears to meet the threshold for attorney referral. Not every situation will qualify — and we will tell you honestly if yours doesn't appear to.

  • We review the documentation to identify gaps or issues that may need resolution.
  • We assess whether the claim appears to fall within applicable deadlines.
  • We identify any factors — competing claims, probate requirements, lien priority — that may complicate the matter.
  • We prepare a summary of the matter for potential referral to an independent attorney.
Step 4

Attorney Review

Qualifying matters are referred to independent, licensed attorneys with experience in excess proceeds claims. The attorney reviews the complete file, confirms legal eligibility, and determines whether to accept the representation.

  • The attorney is independent — NEPEX does not control attorney decisions.
  • The attorney reviews all documentation and may request additional materials.
  • The attorney confirms whether the matter qualifies under applicable state law.
  • The attorney explains the fee arrangement and the terms of representation before you sign anything.
  • In qualifying matters, attorney fees may be contingent on recovery — no upfront payment required.
Step 5

Attorney Filing

When the attorney accepts the representation and you agree to proceed, the attorney files the legal claim on your behalf. All legal work — including court filings, correspondence with fund holders, and any contested proceedings — is handled by the attorney.

  • The attorney files the claim with the appropriate county office, court, or fund holder.
  • The attorney handles all legal correspondence and proceedings on your behalf.
  • If the claim is contested or competing claims exist, the attorney represents your interests.
  • The attorney complies with all applicable state and local procedures, deadlines, and requirements.
  • NEPEX does not participate in legal proceedings — that is the attorney's exclusive domain.
Step 6

Attorney Distribution

If the claim succeeds and funds are recovered, the attorney oversees distribution. Recovered funds typically flow through the attorney's trust account, with attorney fees and approved costs deducted before disbursement to the claimant.

  • The attorney provides a complete accounting of funds received, fees deducted, and amounts disbursed.
  • In contingency arrangements, no fees are paid if no funds are recovered.
  • Distribution to multiple heirs is handled in accordance with applicable law and the terms of the representation agreement.
  • The attorney distributes funds in accordance with the court order, probate proceeding, or fund holder's requirements.

Common Questions About The Process

Does NEPEX file the claim?

No. NEPEX is not a law firm and does not file legal claims. We provide educational intake, documentation coordination, and referral support. In qualifying matters, the legal claim is filed by an independent licensed attorney.

Who is the attorney and how are they selected?

Attorneys in the NEPEX referral network are independent and licensed in the applicable state. They are selected based on their experience with excess proceeds, surplus funds, and related property law matters. NEPEX does not direct attorneys or control their legal decisions.

What does 'no upfront attorney fees' actually mean?

In qualifying matters, the attorney may agree to advance fees and case costs — meaning they are paid from the recovered funds when the claim succeeds, rather than charged to you in advance. If the claim does not succeed, you typically owe nothing for attorney fees in a contingency arrangement. Terms vary by attorney and case. Attorney approval is required.

What happens if the deadline is close?

If a statute of limitations deadline is approaching, we will tell you clearly and promptly. We will not manufacture urgency — but we will be honest when time is genuinely short. Acting promptly when a deadline is near is one of the most important things a claimant can do.

What if I'm not sure whether surplus funds exist?

That uncertainty is exactly why the educational review step exists. We help you investigate whether a claim may exist before asking you to commit to anything. Many families begin not knowing whether funds exist and learn one way or the other through the intake process.

View all frequently asked questions

Ready To Start Your Educational Review?

No obligation. No commitment. No upfront cost. Just education — and an honest assessment of whether your situation may qualify.

Start Educational Review

Disclaimer: National Excess Proceeds Exchange is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. The process described above is educational and general in nature. Actual procedures vary by state, county, case facts, and attorney. Recovery of excess proceeds is not guaranteed. Attorney approval is required for legal representation. In qualifying matters, attorney fees may be advanced from recovered funds — this is contingent on the attorney accepting the matter and funds being successfully recovered. Every case is unique.