Choosing an unclaimed property recovery service

Updated November 8, 2026

A good service saves a business hours of paperwork and catches records you would miss. Ask these questions before you sign with anyone, including us.

Eight questions to ask

1. What is the fee, and when is it charged? In California: no more than 10%, only after the Controller pays.
2. Who pays your fee? In California the Controller can pay the investigator's share directly by separate warrant.
3. Which records does the agreement cover? You should see each property, its value and its holder in writing.
4. Did you search our other names and addresses? Many businesses have records under several spellings.
5. Which documents will we need? A clear checklist up front means fewer delays later.
6. Who arranges the notary, and who pays?
7. Who files, and how? Claims go by mail, courier or in person.
8. How will we hear about progress?

What a service should not ask for

Money up front, a power of attorney to sign the claim for you, or a Social Security or card number by phone.

Our answers

10%, after payment, by the Controller's separate warrant. Every property listed before you sign. A full name-and-address search. A checklist built for your claim. We help arrange a mobile notary (you pay the notary). You send us the signed original by tracked mail and we file it. Updates at each stage. Questions any time on (213) 377-6878.