Asset & Debt Search Services for Executors and Trustees
You've just taken on one of the most important — and most overwhelming — responsibilities a family member can hand you: making sure everything your loved one owned, and everything they owed, is properly accounted for. OC Elder Law will conduct that search for you, so you can focus on your family instead of a stack of paperwork and phone calls.
The Problem Every Executor and Trustee Faces
Locating a decedent's full financial picture means contacting every bank, brokerage, and insurance company they may have used, searching for real estate and unclaimed property, and identifying outstanding debts and creditors — all while producing the right documents (death certificate, Will or Trust, and an updated Certificate of Trust) for each institution. Missing an asset or a creditor claim isn't just frustrating; as a fiduciary, it can expose you to personal liability.
What We Do For You
Our office conducts a comprehensive asset and debt search on your behalf, including:
- Outreach to banks, credit unions, and brokerage firms to locate accounts
- A search of California's Unclaimed Property database for escheated funds
- Identification of real estate holdings, including out-of-county and out-of-state property where applicable
- A search for life insurance policies and retirement accounts
- Identification of outstanding debts and creditor claims through credit report review and formal notice procedures
- Preparation of the documentation each institution requires, and follow-through until the search is complete
Pricing
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
|
Asset & Debt Search — general clients |
$1,500 flat fee |
|
Asset & Debt Search — existing OC Elder Law trust administration clients |
$1,000 flat fee |
What We'll Need From You
- A certified copy of the death certificate
- A copy of the Will and/or Trust
- Any account statements, tax returns, or paperwork you already have on hand
Why Work With OC Elder Law
Marty Burbank founded OC Elder Law in 2003 and has guided Orange County families through trust administration, probate, and estate matters for over two decades. With an LLM in Tax Law and a practice built specifically around elder law and fiduciary administration, our office knows exactly how to navigate this process efficiently — and how to protect you from the liability that comes with missing something along the way.
Ready to Get Started?
Call our office at (714) 525-4600 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. We'll take it from there.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find out if my deceased parent or grandparent or spouse had a bank account I don't know about?
Search California's Unclaimed Property database at claimit.ca.gov, and contact banks in the areas where they lived or worked, bringing a death certificate, the Will or Trust, and an updated Certificate of Trust.
What documents do I need to access a decedent's accounts?
Most institutions require a certified death certificate, a copy of the Will or Trust, and an updated Certificate of Trust (or Letters Testamentary) showing your authority as Executor, Trustee, or Beneficiary.
How do I find out what debts someone had when they died?
Pull credit reports from all three credit bureaus, watch incoming mail for statements and bills, and follow the formal creditor claim process if the estate is going through probate.
What is escheated property, and how do I search for it?
Escheated property is money or assets that financial institutions turned over to the state after an account sat inactive for a set period. In California, you can search for it for free at claimit.ca.gov.
How much does it cost to hire someone to find a deceased person's assets in California?
OC Elder Law charges a flat fee of $1,500 for a full asset and debt search, or $1,000 for clients who have retained OC Elder Law for a trust administration.
Can I be held personally liable if I miss an asset or a creditor claim?
Yes. As a fiduciary, you have a legal duty to locate and account for estate assets and debts (marshaling the estate). Missing something can expose you to claims from beneficiaries or creditors later.
Let Us Take the Helm
If the search feels like more than you can manage alongside everything else on your plate right now, we're here to help. OC Elder Law will conduct a full asset and debt search on your behalf, so you can focus on your family instead of paperwork.
