Search Dallas County Unclaimed Money

Unclaimed money claims for Dallas County go through the Alabama State Treasury. The probate court in Selma provides estate documents needed for heir claims.

How to Search for Unclaimed Money

Alabama holds over $1.3 billion in unclaimed property. The State Treasury manages all of it. Dallas County residents use the same search system as everyone else in the state. Your share of that money could be waiting right now.

The search costs nothing. You don't need to pay anyone to look for you. Just go to the official state website and type in your name. The whole process takes about two minutes.

Steps to search for your money:

• Visit alabama.findyourunclaimedproperty.com
• Enter your first name and last name
• Add Selma or another city to narrow results
• Review the list of matching records
• File a claim for any property that belongs to you

Try different name variations. Search under maiden names, former married names, and nicknames. If a name shows up differently on old accounts, the database may have it that way. Also check for deceased family members. Heirs can claim property belonging to relatives who passed away.

State law under Code of Alabama Section 35-12-93 limits finder fees to 10%. You can avoid those fees completely by filing your own claim for free.

Dallas County Probate Court

The probate court handles estate matters for Dallas County. This includes wills, guardianships, and administration of estates. The court provides documents you need for heir claims on unclaimed property. It does not handle the actual money claims. Those go to the state.

The courthouse sits in downtown Selma. The probate judge oversees a range of matters beyond just estates. Marriage licenses, mental health commitments, and some property records also go through this office.

Dallas County is part of the 4th Judicial Circuit. This circuit also includes Wilcox County. Circuit court matters that go beyond probate jurisdiction are handled through that system.

Getting Estate Documents for Heir Claims

Claiming money for a deceased relative requires documentation. The state needs to see proof of death and proof that you have a right to the property. The probate court can provide most of what you need.

Documents commonly needed for heir claims:

• Certified death certificate
• Letters of administration or letters testamentary
• Copy of the will if the person had one
• Birth certificate showing your relationship
• Marriage certificate if you are the surviving spouse

The probate court charges fees for copies and certifications. Certified copies cost more than regular ones. Call the office to get current prices before you go. Some documents take time to prepare, so build in extra time if you have a deadline.

You can get documents in person or by mail. For in-person visits, bring photo identification. For mail requests, send a written request with the specifics of what you need, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and payment for fees.

Online Records Access

Dallas County offers limited online access to records. The county website provides basic contact information and some forms. For detailed record searches, you may need to visit in person or call the office.

Online resources:

• Dallas County Government - Official county website
• State Unclaimed Property - Search for lost money
• Alacourt ACCESS - Statewide court records

The state unclaimed property portal works well from any device. That is the place to search for money. The Alacourt system provides court records statewide but requires a subscription fee.

Types of Unclaimed Property

Unclaimed property comes from many sources. When a business loses contact with an account holder, the funds eventually go to the state. The state then works to find the rightful owner.

Common sources of unclaimed money:

• Dormant bank accounts
• Uncashed paychecks and wages
• Insurance policy payouts
• Utility deposits that were never returned
• Stock dividends and shares
• Safe deposit box contents
• Tax refunds that bounced back

Population changes affect unclaimed property rates. People move away for jobs or family reasons. They leave behind accounts that go dormant. Years pass, and the money ends up with the state. Dallas County has seen population shifts over the decades, which means there could be plenty of unclaimed funds tied to former residents.

About Dallas County

Dallas County sits in central Alabama along the Alabama River. About 38,000 people live here. The county was created in 1818 and named for Vice President George M. Dallas.

Selma serves as the county seat. The city played a major role in the Civil Rights Movement. The 1965 Selma to Montgomery marches helped lead to the Voting Rights Act. Thousands of visitors come each year to see the Edmund Pettus Bridge and learn about this history.

The local economy includes healthcare, manufacturing, and services. Bush Hog, a farm equipment maker, has operations here. The healthcare sector serves the surrounding region. These employers and others generate payroll, benefits, and accounts that can eventually become unclaimed if workers move on without closing things out.

Contact the State Treasury

Questions about unclaimed money go to the Alabama State Treasury. The Unclaimed Property Division handles all searches and claims statewide. Dallas County residents contact the same office as everyone else.

Cities in Dallas County

Dallas County has several communities. All residents search for unclaimed money through the state portal. No cities in Dallas County have populations over 50,000.

Communities in Dallas County include Selma, Orrville, Valley Grande, and other small towns. Selma is by far the largest, with about 17,000 residents.

Nearby Counties

Have ties to areas near Dallas County? Check these neighboring counties for unclaimed property too. Search under addresses where you lived in the past.