Fayette County Unclaimed Money Search
Unclaimed money in Fayette County is held by the Alabama State Treasury. The probate court in Fayette helps with estate documents for heir claims.
Fayette County Quick Facts
How to Search for Unclaimed Money
The state of Alabama holds more than $1.3 billion in unclaimed property. This money sits with the State Treasury waiting for owners to come forward. Fayette County residents use the same search system as everyone else in Alabama.
The search is free. No payment required. No subscription needed. The state runs the program and wants to give the money back to rightful owners. Takes about two minutes to check.
How to search the state database:
- Go to alabama.findyourunclaimedproperty.com
- Type in your first and last name
- Add Fayette to filter the results
- Check any records that match
- File a claim for property that belongs to you
Search under every name you have used. Maiden names, former married names, and nicknames all count. Old accounts may have your name spelled differently. Check for deceased family members too. Heirs can claim money left behind by relatives with the right paperwork.
Finder services exist but charge fees. Code of Alabama Section 35-12-93 caps their fee at 10%. Why pay that when you can file directly for free?
Fayette County Probate Court
The probate court in Fayette County handles estates, wills, and guardianships. The court provides documents needed for heir claims on unclaimed property. It does not handle the money claims. Those go to the state treasury in Montgomery.
The probate office is in the Fayette County Courthouse downtown. The staff can help you figure out what documents you need. The probate judge also handles marriage licenses and some property records.
| Office | Fayette County Probate Court 113 1st Avenue NW Fayette, AL 35555 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (205) 932-4510 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Probate Judge | Donna McGraw |
| Website | fayettecounty.org |
Fayette County belongs to the 24th Judicial Circuit along with Lamar and Pickens counties. The circuit court handles matters beyond probate jurisdiction. The three counties share resources and judges for circuit-level cases.
Getting Estate Documents for Heir Claims
If you are claiming money for a deceased relative, you need documentation. The state requires proof that the person died and that you have a legal right to their property. The probate court can provide most of what you need.
Documents you may need:
- Certified death certificate
- Letters of administration or testamentary
- Copy of the will if one exists
- Birth certificate showing relationship
- Marriage certificate if spouse
The court charges fees for copies. Certified documents cost more than plain copies. Call ahead to check prices. Older records may take extra time to locate.
You can get documents in person or by mail. Bring photo ID for in-person visits. Mail requests should include a written letter with specifics, payment for fees, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Online Records Access
Fayette County has a basic county website with office information. For detailed record searches, you may need to call or visit the probate office in person.
Online resources:
- Fayette County Government - Official county website
- State Unclaimed Property - Search for money
- Alacourt ACCESS - Statewide court records
The state unclaimed property portal is your best bet for finding lost money. Works on any device and is totally free. Alacourt offers broader court record access statewide but charges a subscription fee.
Types of Unclaimed Property
Many kinds of assets become unclaimed property. When businesses lose contact with account holders, they eventually turn the funds over to the state. The state then tries to find the rightful owners.
Common types of unclaimed property:
- Old bank accounts
- Uncashed paychecks
- Insurance payouts
- Utility deposits
- Stocks and dividends
- Safe deposit box contents
- Refund checks
Fayette County has a rural economy based on forestry, some manufacturing, and services. Families here often go back generations. When older relatives pass away, their accounts sometimes go unclaimed. The same happens when young people leave for college or jobs and never close out old accounts. Both situations create unclaimed property.
About Fayette County
Fayette County sits in northwest Alabama. About 16,300 people call it home. The county formed in 1824 and was named for the Marquis de Lafayette, the French general who helped America win independence.
Fayette serves as both the county seat and the largest town. The city has about 4,500 residents. The Sipsey Wilderness, part of the Bankhead National Forest, lies partly in Fayette County. This protected area draws hikers and nature lovers.
The local economy relies on timber, some light manufacturing, and services. The county has lost population over the decades as young people move to larger cities for work. This out-migration creates unclaimed property when people leave without closing all their accounts. Families of former residents should check the database.
Contact the State Treasury
The Alabama State Treasury runs the unclaimed property program. Their Unclaimed Property Division handles all searches and claims. Fayette County residents contact this same state office.
| Office | Alabama State Treasury, Unclaimed Property Division |
|---|---|
| Address | RSA Union Building 100 North Union Street, Suite 636 Montgomery, AL 36104 |
| Toll-Free | (888) 844-8400 |
| Local | (334) 242-9614 |
| unclaimed@treasury.alabama.gov |
Cities in Fayette County
Fayette County has a few small towns. All residents use the state portal to search for unclaimed money. No cities in Fayette County have populations over 50,000.
Communities include Fayette, Berry, Belk, Glen Allen, and Hubbertville. Fayette is the largest with about 4,500 residents.
Nearby Counties
Have connections to areas around Fayette County? Check these neighboring counties for unclaimed money. Your property may be tied to a previous address.