Search Russell County Unclaimed Money

Unclaimed money in Russell County goes through the Alabama State Treasury. The probate court in Phenix City provides estate documents for heir claims.

How to Search for Unclaimed Money

All unclaimed property in Alabama goes to the State Treasury. This applies to Russell County residents just like everyone else. The state holds over $1.3 billion waiting for rightful owners. Your name could be on that list.

The search is free. Takes about two minutes. Go to the official state portal and enter your name. Check under maiden names and old addresses too. Many people find money they forgot about.

To search the state database:

• Visit alabama.findyourunclaimedproperty.com
• Enter your first and last name
• Add Phenix City or your city to narrow results
• Click on any matching records
• File a claim if you find your property

The state charges nothing to search or file claims. Third-party finder services exist but are never needed. Under Code of Alabama Section 35-12-93, finder fees are capped at 10%. Save that money and file directly for free.

Russell County Probate Court

The probate court helps with estate documents. These papers support heir claims for deceased relatives. The court handles wills, letters of administration, and death certificates. It does not process unclaimed money claims directly. That goes through the state.

Russell County has one probate office in Phenix City. The courthouse serves the county's needs. Staff can help you find estate records and get certified copies. Call ahead to check hours.

Russell County is part of the 26th Judicial Circuit. The probate court handles estates, wills, guardianships, and marriages. For circuit court matters, contact the circuit clerk separately.

Getting Estate Documents for Heir Claims

Heirs need specific documents to claim money for deceased relatives. The state treasury requires proof of death and proof of relationship. County probate courts provide these papers. Without them, your claim will stall.

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 probate court charges fees for copies. Certified copies cost more than plain ones. Recording fees run about $3.00 per page in most Alabama counties. Call ahead to get current prices. Some documents take time to process. Start early if you need papers for an heir claim.

You can request documents in person or by mail. Bring valid ID when visiting. Mail requests should include what you need, your contact info, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Allow one to two weeks for processing.

Online Records Access

Russell County offers some online access to records. The county website provides office info and links. For detailed probate records, you may need to visit or call.

Online resources:

• Russell County Website - County information
• State Unclaimed Property - Search for money
• Alacourt ACCESS - Court records statewide

Alacourt provides access to circuit court records across Alabama. Subscription fees apply. For probate matters specifically, contact the Russell County office directly. They can explain what records are available.

Types of Unclaimed Property

Many kinds of assets end up as unclaimed property. Banks, employers, insurance companies, and utilities all report dormant accounts. These funds wait at the state treasury.

Common unclaimed property in Russell County:

• Old bank accounts from closed branches
• Final paychecks from jobs you left
• Insurance payouts and annuities
• Utility deposits from old addresses
• Stock dividends and mutual funds
• Safe deposit box contents
• Uncashed refund checks

Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning) sits just across the river in Georgia. Military families often move in and out of Russell County. Former residents should search the Alabama database for money left behind.

About Russell County

Russell County sits on Alabama's eastern border with Georgia. About 59,000 people live here. The county formed in 1832 and was named for Colonel Gilbert C. Russell, who fought in the Creek War.

Phenix City serves as the county seat. The city sits across the Chattahoochee River from Columbus, Georgia. The two cities form one metro area. Many residents work on the Georgia side at Fort Moore or in Columbus businesses.

Phenix City has a colorful past. It was once known as "Sin City" for gambling and vice. A cleanup in the 1950s changed everything after the attorney general elect was murdered. Today the city has transformed into a family-friendly community. The military base drives much of the local economy. Check the state database if your family lived here.

Contact the State Treasury

Have questions about unclaimed money? The state treasury runs the program. Staff can help with searches and claims. Contact them directly for assistance.

Cities in Russell County

Russell County has several towns. No cities here meet the 50,000 population threshold for a dedicated page. All residents use the same state unclaimed property search.

Towns in Russell County include Phenix City (county seat), Hurtsboro, Seale, Fort Mitchell, and Ladonia. For any of these areas, search the state database by name.

Nearby Counties

If you have ties to areas near Russell County, check these neighbors too. Unclaimed property follows where you lived, not where you live now.