How to Find an Inheritance

How to find an inheritance is a question many families face after losing a loved one. Wills, trusts, and estate plans are supposed to make things easier, but too often families discover missing paperwork, unknown assets, or property they never knew existed. These situations can leave heirs frustrated and confused.

Fortunately, there are proven steps you can take. By checking probate court records, using online will registries, and exploring unclaimed property databases, you can learn how to find an inheritance with confidence.

Why Inheritances Go Unclaimed

Before diving into the search, it helps to know why inheritances often go unclaimed:

• Lost wills: Families cannot locate the original or updated version.
• No will created: State intestacy laws then determine heirs.
• Hidden accounts: Banks or insurers hold funds beneficiaries never knew about.
• Out-of-state property: Assets get tied up in other jurisdictions.
• Lack of communication: Heirs were never told about their inheritance.

Knowing these reasons explains why searching widely is important.

Where to Search When a Will Cannot Be Found

One common challenge arises when a will is known to exist, but the original copy cannot be found. Families often panic, assuming the inheritance is gone forever. That is not always the case.

Begin by:

1. Searching fireproof safes and filing cabinets.
2. Contacting the deceased’s attorney or financial advisor.
3. Checking with the probate court in the county of residence.
4. Using The U.S. Will Registry to perform a nationwide search.

Even if the original is missing, copies may exist, and probate courts sometimes accept them. That makes persistence essential when learning how to find an inheritance from a lost will.

Who Inherits When No Will Exists

Another difficult situation is when a loved one dies without leaving a will. In this case, state intestacy laws control distribution. Typically:

• Spouses inherit first.
• Children inherit if there is no surviving spouse.
• Extended relatives may inherit if no immediate family exists.

To figure out how to find an inheritance without a will, start with probate court. Courts follow state laws, and each state sets its own order of succession. If you believe you qualify as an heir, file a claim with the probate court to assert your rights.

Why You Should Never Assume There Is Nothing to Inherit

When learning how to find an inheritance, many people stop searching too soon. They believe what they are told by family members without questioning it. This mistake can cause heirs to lose what is rightfully theirs.

*Heirs are individuals legally entitled to receive property, money, or other assets from the deceased’s estate. They inherit according to state intestacy succession laws.  

Common Misconceptions About Finding an Inheritance

• Many assume that if they are told there is no inheritance, it must be true.

• In reality, this is often not the case.

• A stepmother, stepfather, or sibling may say nothing was left, causing confusion.

• Probate is sometimes skipped because heirs do not understand the process.

• If you are an immediate relative, you may still have legal rights as a natural heir.

• Probate courts exist to protect heirs and ensure estates are handled fairly.

• Time is critical—waiting too long can put your claim at risk.

Always remember, probate exists to protect you. If you suspect you are a rightful heir, act quickly to safeguard your inheritance.

Checking Probate Court Records

Probate courts are the most reliable place to begin. Even if there is no will, the court will have records of estate proceedings. You can:

• Request a copy of probate filings.
• Review notices of hearings.
• Confirm who has been named executor.
• Track the distribution process.

Probate records are public, which makes them one of the simplest answers to the question of how to find an inheritance.

Using The U.S. Will Registry

Sometimes probate records are not enough. That’s where The U.S. Will Registry comes in. Established in 1997, it allows families to search for wills nationwide. Millions of wills are registered by attorneys, families, and individuals.

The Registry makes sure heirs are not left in the dark. It also provides free tools to create and register a will, ensuring future generations never struggle to locate vital documents.

 Click here to search The U.S. Will Registry for a missing will

Searching for Unclaimed Property

Billions of dollars in unclaimed property are waiting for heirs in state databases. To find out if part of your inheritance ended up there:

1. Visit your state’s unclaimed property site.
2. Search using variations of the deceased’s name.
3. Try other states where they lived or worked.
4. File a claim with proof of death and your relationship.

This step is crucial in the process of how to find an inheritance, since forgotten bank accounts and life insurance payouts often end up in state custody.

Can Professionals Help You Learn How to Find an Inheritance?

Yes. Sometimes the search requires more expertise than families can manage alone. Professionals who can help include:

• Probate attorneys: Guide you through court procedures.
• Estate specialists: Trace complex financial accounts.
• Genealogists: Identify heirs when family lines are unclear.
• International attorneys: Handle foreign property claims.

Hiring experts may cost money, but in complicated or disputed estates, they provide clear answers about how to find an inheritance and ensure rightful heirs are not overlooked.

Exploring Financial, Employment and Insurance Records

Do not forget about life insurance, pensions, or retirement accounts. Companies rarely chase beneficiaries down, so it is up to you.

• Contact employers for retirement benefits.
• Call insurance companies directly to ask about policies.
• Review old tax returns for dividend or property clues.
• Look for mailed statements, even if accounts were inactive.

These steps often uncover assets worth thousands of dollars.

How to Find an Inheritance Left in Another State

Inheritance across state lines adds another layer of complexity. Each state sets its own probate rules. To locate assets in another state:

• Start with that state’s probate court.
• Search its online court records or request filings.
• Check the state’s unclaimed property database.
• Consult a local attorney if large assets are involved.

Knowing how to find an inheritance across state borders ensures property is not missed simply because it was held elsewhere.

International Inheritances

If the deceased owned property abroad, you may need to deal with foreign courts. Some countries require additional documentation, and local attorneys often must be hired. Begin by contacting property registries and banks in the relevant country.

International inheritances take longer, but persistence is key.

Protecting Your Own Inheritance

Once you have learned how to find an inheritance, consider protecting your own heirs from future confusion. Steps include:

• Creating a legally valid will is free with The U.S. Will Registry.
• Registering it in The U.S. Will Registry.
• Updating it after major life events.
• Storing it in a secure but accessible location.
• Informing your executor where it is kept.

START WRITING YOUR FREE LEGAL WILL NOW – The U.S. Will Registry

These precautions ensure your heirs never face the same struggles.

Conclusion

Learning how to find an inheritance requires patience and multiple approaches. Start with wills, probate courts, and online registries. Expand your search to unclaimed property and insurance records. Do not hesitate to seek professional help when needed.

By following these steps, you not only secure what is rightfully yours but also protect your own family by planning ahead.

Related Articles:   

Guide to Filing a Probate Petition

Understanding Laws of Intestacy? 

? FAQ’s Related to: How to Find an Inheritance