Lost Heir | Questions & Answers with Useful Links

Common questions asked and their answers

1. Can you provide references, meaningful references from people for whom you have worked such as lawyers or bankers?

Clients Page
Unsolicited Excerpts Of Letters From Attorneys

2. Can you provide references from people you have found?

Unsolicited Excerpts Of Letters From Heirs

3. How can I be missing, I'm right here?

We are a mobile society. On average, we move every five years. Families become separated. People fail to register their change of address. Many of the assets with which I deal are decades old and people have moved on. Names change. Street numbers change. Computerization of records speeds the flow but mistakes become self-perpetuating. People get unlisted telephone numbers. Thanks to the 'privacy act' more people are 'lost' every day as tracing becomes more difficult. People move from the farm to the city and back. Neighborhoods change. New jobs and new technologies uproot families. All the foregoing and more contribute to the phenomenon of 'lost' shareholders, heirs, beneficiaries and owners.

United States Census Bureau: Migration
http://www.census.gov/population/www/socdemo/migrate.html

Proceed With Care
The Lawyer: Marketplace, "Gone with the Wind"

4. I have heard that the state has an office that will return money to me for free. Why can't I just write to them and get my money?

You can certainly write to them. For your convenience, we have a link to the NAUPA website, which has links to the individual state unclaimed property offices.

In fact, the asset that is the subject of my proposal is not necessarily held by your state's unclaimed property office. But they may have other money for you. No harm in asking.

As for the state's service being 'free' that depends on how you view your tax dollars.

Naupa: National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators
http://www.unclaimed.org/

5. Can I just turn your proposal over to my lawyer so that I won't be bothered?

Yes. I would be glad to work with your lawyer. I suggest that you discuss this with your lawyer anyway. His or her call to me will be welcomed. If you do not have an attorney, here are some web sites which may assist you in finding a competent licensed attorney.

Martindale - Hubbell
http://www.martindale.com/

American Bar Association
http://www.abanet.org

The Law Society of England and Wales
www.lawsoc.org.uk

6. I am skeptical about the possibility of fraudulent claims. Will you document such a fraudulent claim to me?

Yes, just ask.

7. Are you licensed?

Yes. I have an Ohio driver's license (#RL426766, expires on my birthday - March 10 - in 2004). And I have an Ohio private investigator's license (#5251). But I hasten to add that I do not conduct private investigations. I locate missing and unknown heirs and beneficiaries. End of line.

Ohio Department of Commerce: Licensing
http://www.com.state.oh.us