Unclaimed Property
- How to Start a Wayne County Probate Case
- How to Administer a Wayne County Probate Case
- How to Complete Forms
- Directions for Giving Notice of Hearing
- How to Close a Wayne County Probate Case
- Probate Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
- Guardianship and Estates Ombudsman
- List of Court Approved Mediators
- Administrative Information
- Request For Accommodations - ADA
- Mental Health
Services
Brochure - from
DWMHA
- Contact Us
Unclaimed Property – I am a person whose assets were previously held through an account involved in a probate matter. I went to the bank but was told the account was never collected and so they “escheated the funds to the State.” Where did the funds go and how can I collect them?
The Michigan Department of Treasury holds lost or forgotten assets it receives from dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, valuables left in safe deposit boxes, and stock certificates. Because these properties were considered abandoned and unclaimed by the bank or company entrusted with them, they are turned over to the state, as required by law and held as Unclaimed Property. The Michigan Department of Treasury is the custodian of these assets and returns them to their owners (or the owners’ heirs) when they are rightfully claimed.
This process can occur with assets originally held on behalf of an individual or estate in a probate matter.
If you learn that the funds held in a financial account on your behalf have escheated to the state, refer to Michigan’s Unclaimed Property process: Michigan Unclaimed Property – Official State Site
As part of the collection process, you may need copies of paperwork or an order from the Probate Court. What is needed will depend upon the specific requirements of the Treasury. If you are required to provide copies of existing court records, refer to: WCPC - Copy Request.
Rev. 5/2/25