DeKalb County Unclaimed Money Search

Unclaimed money in DeKalb County is managed by the Alabama State Treasury. The probate court in Fort Payne helps with estate documents for heir claims.

How to Search for Unclaimed Money

The state of Alabama holds more than $1.3 billion in unclaimed property. This money belongs to people who lost track of accounts, forgot about deposits, or never cashed checks. DeKalb County residents can search for their share through the state portal.

Searching is free. It takes just a couple of minutes. You don't need to hire anyone or pay any fees. The state runs the program and wants to return money to its rightful owners.

How to search the database:

• Go to alabama.findyourunclaimedproperty.com
• Type in your first and last name
• Add Fort Payne or your town to filter results
• Check any records that match your information
• File a claim for property that belongs to you

Search using every name you have ever used. Maiden names, nicknames, and former married names all count. Old accounts may have your name spelled differently or use a name you no longer go by. Also search for deceased relatives. Heirs can claim money left behind by family members.

Under Code of Alabama Section 35-12-93, finder services can charge no more than 10%. Save that money by filing directly with the state for free.

DeKalb County Probate Court

The probate court in DeKalb County handles estate matters. Wills, guardianships, and estate administration all go through this office. The court provides documents that support heir claims for unclaimed property. The actual money claims go to the state treasury, not the court.

The probate office sits in downtown Fort Payne. Staff can help you understand what documents you need and how to get them. The office also handles marriage licenses and some property records.

DeKalb County belongs to the 9th Judicial Circuit along with Cherokee County. Circuit court handles matters beyond probate jurisdiction. The courthouse complex in Fort Payne houses multiple court functions.

Getting Estate Documents for Heir Claims

To claim unclaimed money for a deceased person, you need proof. The state requires documentation showing the death occurred and that you have a legal right to the property. Most of these documents come from the probate court.

Documents you may need:

• Certified death certificate
• Letters of administration or testamentary
• Copy of the will
• Birth certificate proving relationship
• Marriage certificate if spouse

The probate court charges fees for copies. Certified copies cost extra. Prices can change, so call ahead to confirm current rates. Some documents take time to prepare, especially if the estate is complex or old records need to be located.

Visit the courthouse in person with photo ID, or send a written request by mail. Mail requests should include specific details about what you need, payment for fees, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Online Records Access

DeKalb County provides some online access to records. The county website has information about offices and services. More detailed searches may require a phone call or in-person visit.

Online resources:

• DeKalb County Government - Official county website
• State Unclaimed Property - Free money search
• Alacourt ACCESS - Statewide court records

For unclaimed money, the state portal is your best bet. It covers all of Alabama and lets you search for free. Alacourt offers court record searches statewide but charges subscription fees.

Types of Unclaimed Property

Many things can end up as unclaimed property. Banks, employers, and insurance companies report dormant accounts to the state. If they cannot find the owner, the money goes into the state system.

Common types of unclaimed property:

• Bank accounts that sat inactive for years
• Paychecks that were never cashed
• Insurance benefits and policy payouts
• Utility security deposits
• Stock dividends and investment accounts
• Items from safe deposit boxes
• Refund checks that came back undeliverable

DeKalb County has a diverse economy with manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism. Workers in these industries may have left jobs and forgotten about final paychecks or retirement benefits. The sock manufacturing industry was huge here for decades. Former mill workers or their heirs should definitely check the database.

About DeKalb County

DeKalb County sits in northeast Alabama on top of Lookout Mountain. About 71,500 people call it home. The county formed in 1836 and was named for Baron Johann de Kalb, a German officer who fought in the American Revolution.

Fort Payne serves as the county seat. The city became known as the "Sock Capital of the World" because of its hosiery mills. The industry has declined, but some manufacturing continues. Tourism has grown, with visitors coming to see Little River Canyon and other natural areas.

The county has a strong agricultural sector too. Poultry farming and cattle ranching provide jobs and income. These industries, plus the tourism businesses, create accounts and payments that can eventually become unclaimed if people move away or pass on without updating their information.

Contact the State Treasury

The Alabama State Treasury runs the unclaimed property program. Their Unclaimed Property Division handles searches and claims for the whole state. DeKalb County residents contact this same office.

Cities in DeKalb County

DeKalb County has several towns and communities. All residents use the same state search portal for unclaimed money. No cities in DeKalb County have populations over 50,000.

Communities include Fort Payne, Rainsville, Collinsville, Sylvania, Henagar, Ider, Mentone, and Valley Head. Fort Payne is the largest with about 14,000 residents. Mentone is a small mountain resort town that draws visitors.

Nearby Counties

Have connections to areas around DeKalb County? Search for unclaimed money in these neighboring counties too. Property is tied to where you lived, not where you live now.