Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Detailed Answer
Understanding Unclaimed Property in Wisconsin
Under Wisconsin’s Unclaimed Property Law, property deemed abandoned—such as bank accounts, safe deposit contents, insurance benefits or securities—reverts to the State Treasurer if the owner fails to claim it within a specific dormancy period. See Wis. Stat. § 177.03.
Locating a Deceased Relative’s Unclaimed Property
- Visit the Wisconsin Unclaimed Property website: https://ucp.wi.gov/up/search.
- Enter the decedent’s full name, last known city or ZIP code. Try variations of the name if you get no results.
- Review the list of matches and note any property types, property IDs, and holding institutions.
Claiming Your Relative’s Property
Once you identify potential unclaimed assets, follow these steps:
- Gather required documents: certified death certificate, proof of heirship (e.g., letters of administration, small estate affidavit or will), government-issued photo ID and proof of address.
- Complete the Unclaimed Property Claim Form available at the State Treasurer’s site.
- Attach copies of all supporting documents and mail or upload them via the secure portal.
- Wait for the Treasurer’s Office to review. By law, they must respond within 90 days. See Wis. Stat. § 177.06.
- If approved, the office issues payment or transfers the property to you. If they deny the claim, you may appeal in writing within 30 days under Wis. Stat. § 177.12.
Key Wisconsin Statutes
- Wis. Stat. § 177.01 — Definitions and scope
- Wis. Stat. § 177.03 — Dormancy periods for different property types
- Wis. Stat. § 177.06 — Claim procedures and deadlines
- Wis. Stat. § 177.12 — Appeals process
Helpful Hints
- Start searching as soon as possible—statutes of limitations may apply.
- Use exact name spellings and check maiden names or nicknames.
- Obtain certified copies of all documents; uncertified copies may delay processing.
- Keep copies of every form you submit and record mailing dates or confirmation numbers.
- Contact the Wisconsin State Treasurer’s Office with questions: 1-800-488-4372 or online inquiry.