Frequently asked questions

10% of the amount the California State Controller pays on the claim. That is the most California law allows an investigator to charge (Code of Civil Procedure section 1582). Nothing is charged up front, and nothing is charged if the state does not pay.

When the Controller approves a claim filed under an investigator agreement, it issues two warrants: one to the claimant for their share and a second, payable to the investigator, for the agreed percentage. You never write us a check.

The Controller decides a claim within 180 days of receiving a complete package. Claims are handled first in, first out. Missing papers are the most common cause of delay, which is why we assemble the package before it is filed.

Usually. The Controller's claim form needs a wet-ink signature, and it must be notarized when the cash property totals $1,000 or more and for every securities claim. California caps notary fees at $15 per signature (Government Code 8211). See our notary page.

Generally no. The Controller does not accept a power of attorney in place of the claimant's own signature, apart from narrow medical exceptions. For a business, an officer or authorized person signs.

No. New claim packages go by mail, courier or in person; the Controller does not accept them by email or fax. We prepare the package and file it for you.

Not yet. We currently file in California only. Short guides for other states are on our states page.

Money or other financial property that a business, bank or insurer owes to someone but could not deliver. After a period with no contact, the holder reports it to the State Controller, which holds it for the owner.

No. Send us the business name through the form on our home page or call (213) 377-6878, and we will tell you what we find.

California businesses of any size: corporations, LLCs, partnerships, professional practices and sole proprietors operating under a business name. We focus on claims of $10,000 and up.

Photo ID of the signer, proof of authority to act for the business, an IRS document showing the FEIN, and proof the business used the address on the record. Renamed, merged or dissolved companies need more. See the checklist.

No. California law allows an investigator agreement only for property the Controller already holds.

We group records that belong to the same owner and file them together where the Controller allows, so you sign once wherever possible.

We focus on businesses. Trust and estate claims follow different rules on who may claim and what proof is needed; contact us and we will tell you whether we can help.

An AI assistant answers (213) 377-6878 at any hour, takes your details and arranges a callback from our team. It will never ask for a Social Security or card number.