The process
How we recover
your money
From first contact to final payment, here's exactly what happens — and why it costs you nothing unless we succeed.
You share your information
You provide your name, contact details, and the states where you've lived or worked. That's all we need to begin. No documents, no fees, no commitment.
We treat your information with strict confidentiality. It is used solely to search government databases and surplus records on your behalf.
We search the records
Doug personally searches state unclaimed property databases, county surplus proceeds records, and dormant escrow registries to identify funds held in your name.
This research can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks depending on how many states are involved and the complexity of the records.
We confirm the finding
When funds are located, we verify the claim is valid and that you are the rightful owner before contacting you with the details.
We only reach out when we have something real to report. You won't hear from us with vague promises — only confirmed findings.
You review and sign
We present you with a clear, plain-language agreement outlining the funds found, the recovery process, and our contingency fee. You decide whether to proceed.
There is no pressure and no obligation. If you choose not to proceed, you owe us nothing.
We handle the paperwork
Once you sign, we prepare and file all required claim documentation with the appropriate government agency on your behalf.
Government claim processes vary by state and fund type. We navigate the bureaucracy so you don't have to.
You receive your funds
When the agency releases the funds, you receive your money. Our fee is deducted from the recovery — you never pay out of pocket.
Timelines vary by agency, but most claims are resolved within 60 to 180 days of filing.
Our fee model
No recovery, no fee
Research Excess operates on a strict contingency basis. We are compensated only when we successfully recover funds on your behalf. Our fee is a percentage of the amount recovered — agreed upon in writing before any work begins.
This model aligns our interests with yours. We have every incentive to find and recover as much as possible, as quickly as possible. If we don't recover anything, you owe us nothing — not a dollar, not a cent.
Upfront cost to you
We are paid only from what we recover. If we find nothing, you owe nothing.
"Our fee is disclosed upfront in writing. No surprises."
What to expect
Typical timelines
1–2 days
Initial response after inquiry
1–3 weeks
Research and verification
60–180 days
Claim processing by agency
Varies
Fund disbursement (state-dependent)
Timelines depend on the state, agency, and complexity of the claim. We keep you informed throughout.
Ready to find out
what's yours?
Submit your information and we'll research your potential claim at no cost to you.
No upfront fees · Confidential · No obligation