About Research Excess
A firm built on
one simple promise
We don't get paid unless you do. That's not a marketing line — it's the legal structure of every engagement we take on.
Our mission
Returning money to the people it belongs to
Every year, billions of dollars sit in government-held accounts — surplus proceeds from foreclosures, dormant escrow balances, unclaimed insurance payouts, and abandoned property. Most of the people entitled to that money have no idea it exists.
Research Excess was founded to close that gap. We research, locate, and recover those funds on behalf of individuals who would otherwise never know to look — and we do it entirely on contingency.
Contingency-only model
We are legally compensated only from recovered funds. No recovery means no fee — ever.
Written agreements
Every engagement is documented in a plain-language contract before any work begins. No surprises.
Direct communication
You deal with Doug directly — not a call center, not an intake form, not a junior associate.
Legitimate government claims
We file only through official state and county agencies. All claims are verifiable through public records.
Who we are
Meet Doug
Doug founded Research Excess after years of working with government surplus records and recognizing a consistent pattern: legitimate funds sitting unclaimed, not because people didn't want them, but because the process of finding and filing for them was opaque and time-consuming.
He built Research Excess to be the kind of firm he wished existed — one that does the hard work upfront, charges nothing unless it succeeds, and treats every client's claim with the same diligence regardless of the dollar amount involved.
Doug personally oversees every search and claim filed through Research Excess. When you work with us, you're working directly with him.
You work with Doug personally — not a call center or intake team.
Upfront cost. Every time. No exceptions.
Why trust us
Skepticism is healthy — here's what to verify
Unclaimed funds recovery is a legitimate industry, but it attracts scams. We understand why people are cautious, and we welcome scrutiny.
Before signing anything with us — or anyone else — verify the funds exist through your state's official unclaimed property database. Every state maintains one. If a firm asks for money upfront before showing you verified funds, walk away.
Research Excess will never ask you for payment before recovery. Our fee is disclosed in writing, agreed upon before we file, and collected only from the funds we recover on your behalf.
"You can verify any claim we present through your state's official unclaimed property portal before signing anything."
Have questions before
you reach out?
Read through our FAQ or contact us directly — Doug responds personally to every inquiry.