Find Unclaimed Money in Lauderdale County
Unclaimed money in Lauderdale County is held by the Alabama State Treasury. The probate court in Florence provides estate documents for heir claims.
Lauderdale County Quick Facts
How to Search for Unclaimed Money
The state of Alabama holds over $1.3 billion in unclaimed property. All of it waits at the State Treasury for owners to claim it. Lauderdale County residents search the same database as everyone else in Alabama. Part of that money could belong to you.
The search is free. No fees, no registration required. The state wants to return money to its owners. You can search from any device with internet.
How to search the database:
- Visit alabama.findyourunclaimedproperty.com
- Type in your first and last name
- Add Florence to narrow results
- Look through any matches
- File a claim for your property
Search under all names you have used. Maiden names, former married names, and nicknames all matter. Also check for deceased relatives. With proper documentation, heirs can claim money that belonged to family members who passed away.
Finder services exist but charge fees. Code of Alabama Section 35-12-93 caps their fees at 10%. Why pay that when filing directly is free?
Lauderdale County Probate Court
The probate court handles estate matters for Lauderdale County. This includes wills, guardianships, and administration of estates. The court provides documents for heir claims on unclaimed property. The money claims themselves go to the state treasury, not the local court.
The probate office is in downtown Florence at the county courthouse. Staff can help you understand what documents you need. The probate judge also handles marriage licenses, adoptions, and some property records.
| Office | Lauderdale County Probate Court 200 South Court Street Florence, AL 35630 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (256) 760-5800 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Probate Judge | Will Motlow |
Lauderdale County is the sole county in the 39th Judicial Circuit. This means it does not share judges with neighboring counties. The courthouse complex in Florence houses both probate and circuit court functions.
Getting Estate Documents for Heir Claims
When you claim unclaimed money for a deceased person, the state requires documentation. You need proof that the person died and that you have a legal right to their property. The probate court provides most of these documents.
Documents you may need:
- Certified death certificate
- Letters of administration or letters testamentary
- Copy of the will
- Birth certificate proving relationship
- Marriage certificate if surviving spouse
The court charges fees for copies. Certified copies cost more than regular ones. Call ahead to check current prices before visiting. Some older records take extra time to locate.
Request documents in person or by mail. Bring photo ID for in-person visits. Mail requests need a written letter with specifics, payment for fees, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Online Records Access
Lauderdale County provides some online access to records and services. For detailed record searches, you may need to contact the probate office directly.
Online resources:
- State Unclaimed Property - Search for lost money
- Alacourt ACCESS - Statewide court records
The state unclaimed property portal is the best tool for finding lost money. It covers all of Alabama and is free. Alacourt provides court records statewide but charges subscription fees.
Types of Unclaimed Property
Unclaimed property comes from many sources. Banks, employers, insurance companies, and utilities all report dormant accounts. When owners cannot be found, the money goes to the state.
Common types:
- Dormant bank accounts
- Uncashed paychecks
- Insurance payouts
- Utility deposits
- Stock dividends
- Safe deposit box contents
- Refund checks
Lauderdale County has a diverse economy with manufacturing, healthcare, and services. The Shoals area has long been known for music recording studios. FAME Studios and Muscle Shoals Sound Studio drew artists from around the world. All these industries create accounts and payments that can become unclaimed when people move on or pass away.
About Lauderdale County
Lauderdale County sits in northwest Alabama on the Tennessee River. About 93,000 people live here. The county was created in 1818 and named for Colonel James Lauderdale, who died in the Battle of New Orleans.
Florence serves as the county seat. The city is part of the Shoals region along with Sheffield, Tuscumbia, and Muscle Shoals in Colbert County. The University of North Alabama is based in Florence. The Shoals is famous for its music history, including the legendary Muscle Shoals recording studios.
TVA operations and manufacturing have long provided jobs. Healthcare and education round out the economy. North Alabama Medical Center and UNA employ thousands. These employers generate accounts and benefits that can become unclaimed when workers retire or move on. Former residents and their families should check the state database.
Contact the State Treasury
Have questions about unclaimed property? Contact the Alabama State Treasury. Their Unclaimed Property Division handles all searches and claims statewide. Lauderdale County residents use this same 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 Lauderdale County
Lauderdale County has several communities. All residents use the same state portal to search for unclaimed money. No cities in Lauderdale County have populations over 50,000.
Communities include Florence, Rogersville, Killen, Lexington, St. Florian, Waterloo, and Anderson. Florence is the largest at about 42,000 people.
Nearby Counties
Have ties to areas around Lauderdale County? Check these neighboring counties for unclaimed property. Search under all addresses where you have lived.