Washington County Unclaimed Money

Unclaimed money in Washington County goes through the Alabama State Treasury. The probate court in Chatom 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 Washington County residents just like everyone else. The state holds over $1.3 billion waiting for rightful owners. Your name might 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. You never know what might turn up.

To search the state database:

• Visit alabama.findyourunclaimedproperty.com
• Enter your first and last name
• Add Chatom 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.

Washington 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.

Washington County has one probate office in Chatom. The courthouse is the center of county government. Staff can help you find estate records and get certified copies. Call ahead if you plan to visit.

Washington County is part of the 1st Judicial Circuit along with Choctaw and Clarke counties. The probate court handles estates, wills, guardianships, and marriages. For circuit court matters, contact the circuit clerk.

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

Washington County offers limited online access to records. The county website provides basic contact info and office details. For detailed probate records, you may need to visit or call.

Online resources:

• Washington 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 Washington County office directly. They can tell you 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 Washington 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

Washington County's rural nature means many residents move away for work. Former residents often leave money behind. Family members of deceased residents should check too. The state holds these funds indefinitely.

About Washington County

Washington County sits in southwest Alabama near Mobile. About 16,000 people live here. The county is Alabama's first, formed in 1800 when this area was part of the Mississippi Territory. It was named for President George Washington.

Chatom serves as the county seat. The town has about 1,200 residents. Timber and paper production drive the local economy. Several paper mills operate in the region. Agriculture also plays a role.

The county includes parts of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, one of America's most diverse ecosystems. Hunting and fishing draw visitors. Many families have roots here going back generations. Check for unclaimed property if your ancestors lived in Washington County.

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 Washington County

Washington County has several small 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 Washington County include Chatom (county seat), Millry, McIntosh, Fruitdale, and Wagarville. For any of these areas, search the state database by name.

Nearby Counties

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