> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://api.hellosunset.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Unclaimed Property Guide

> Guide to searching for and claiming unclaimed property from state databases during estate settlement.

# Unclaimed Property Guide

The Sunset API helps you track unclaimed property discovered through state databases. Every state holds billions in unclaimed assets from dormant accounts, uncashed checks, and forgotten deposits. This guide covers the search and claim process.

## API Path

```
/cases/{case_id}/unclaimed-property
/cases/{case_id}/unclaimed-property/{property_id}
```

## Typical Workflow

### 1. Record discovered unclaimed property

After searching state databases, add discoveries to the case:

```bash theme={null}
curl -X POST "https://api.example.com/v1/cases/{case_id}/unclaimed-property" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "property_type": "dormant_bank_account",
    "state": "IL",
    "holder_name": "State of Illinois",
    "reported_amount": 1250.00,
    "property_description": "Dormant checking account",
    "owner_name_on_record": "JANE M DOE",
    "claim_status": "discovered",
    "claim_url": "https://icash.illinoistreasurer.gov",
    "required_documents": ["death_certificate", "letters_testamentary", "government_id"]
  }'
```

### 2. File a claim

Update the status when you submit a claim:

```bash theme={null}
curl -X PATCH "https://api.example.com/v1/cases/{case_id}/unclaimed-property/{property_id}" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "claim_status": "claim_filed",
    "claim_filed_date": "2025-10-25",
    "document_ids": ["01K9DOC001", "01K9DOC002", "01K9DOC003"],
    "notes": "Submitted online via state portal. Confirmation #CLM-2025-98765"
  }'
```

### 3. Track claim resolution

```bash theme={null}
curl -X PATCH "https://api.example.com/v1/cases/{case_id}/unclaimed-property/{property_id}" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "claim_status": "paid",
    "claim_approved_date": "2025-12-10",
    "claim_paid_amount": 1250.00
  }'
```

## Property Types

| Type                   | Description                                |
| ---------------------- | ------------------------------------------ |
| `dormant_bank_account` | Inactive bank account turned over to state |
| `uncashed_check`       | Check that was never cashed                |
| `insurance_proceeds`   | Unclaimed insurance payouts                |
| `utility_deposit`      | Utility security deposit                   |
| `rental_deposit`       | Rental security deposit                    |
| `safe_deposit_box`     | Contents of abandoned safe deposit box     |
| `stocks_bonds`         | Unclaimed stocks or bonds                  |
| `retirement_account`   | Unclaimed retirement funds                 |
| `gift_card`            | Unused gift card balance                   |
| `mineral_rights`       | Unclaimed mineral/oil rights royalties     |
| `wages`                | Unclaimed wages or payroll                 |
| `refund`               | Unclaimed tax or other refund              |

## Required Documents

| Document                    | When Needed                              |
| --------------------------- | ---------------------------------------- |
| `death_certificate`         | Always required                          |
| `letters_testamentary`      | If estate is in probate with a will      |
| `letters_of_administration` | If estate is in probate without a will   |
| `affidavit`                 | Small estate affidavit (when no probate) |
| `government_id`             | Executor/administrator photo ID          |
| `proof_of_heirship`         | To establish heir relationship           |

## Key Considerations

* **Search all 50 states** where the deceased lived, worked, or had financial accounts. Don't limit searches to the state of residence.
* **Name variations** matter. Search maiden names, middle names, misspellings, and initials.
* **No deadline** to file in most states. Unclaimed property is held indefinitely in most jurisdictions.
* **No fee** to claim. Never pay a "finder" to retrieve unclaimed property you can claim yourself for free through state portals.
* **Processing time** varies widely from 2 weeks to 6+ months depending on the state and claim complexity.
* **Multiple claims** can be filed across different states simultaneously.