Straight answers

When a property is sold to pay a mortgage or back taxes, and it sells for more than what was owed (plus interest and costs), the extra money is called surplus funds or excess proceeds. By law it generally belongs to the former owner, or to their heirs if the owner has passed away.

Property sale records held by courts and counties are public. We review those records to find surplus funds, then use public and commercial data sources to locate the former owner and let them know.

We'll tell you the amount shown in the county or court record. The final amount can change if there are liens or other claims that must be paid first, which is part of what we sort out. We never guarantee an amount.

Yes. Deadlines vary by state and county, from a few months to a few years. In some places, unclaimed funds eventually go to the state or the local government. We'll tell you the deadline that applies to your funds.

No. We're a private company, My Funds Advocate LLC, registered in New York, and you can look us up. We help people claim surplus funds for a percentage of what's recovered, and only if it's recovered. We never ask you to pay anything up front, and we never ask for bank or Social Security numbers by phone, text or email. Our fee and terms are in writing, and you read our agreement in full before you sign it. If anything feels off, call us at (914) 444-2537, or ask the county or court that handled the sale whether surplus funds are being held in your name.

Absolutely, and you're welcome to.

What you get with us is advocacy, experience, our time, and our money: we handle the forms, filings and follow-up, and we cover every filing cost and attorney fee. You'll never pay more than the agreed percentage.

Nothing up front. Our fee is a percentage of the funds we recover, paid only if they're recovered. If we don't get you paid, you owe nothing. The percentage depends on your state, since many states set limits, and it's never more than your state allows. We tell you the exact figure on our first call, and it's written in your agreement before you decide anything. We cover all filing costs and attorney fees, and you'll never pay more than the agreed percentage, no matter what your claim costs us.

Filing yourself, you'd keep 100%, but you'd also cover filing costs, any attorney, and your own time, and take the risk of a rejected claim or a missed deadline. With us there's no cost and no risk to you up front: if we don't recover the funds, you owe nothing.

Usually 4 to 6 months, depending on the county or court. It depends on the county or court's schedule and whether anyone else files a claim. We keep you updated the whole way.

No to both. My Funds Advocate is a private surplus funds company. We are not a government agency, a court or a county office. When a court filing or other expert help is needed, we hire and pay an attorney or other expert to handle it.

Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont and Virginia.

Transparency. You get our agreement in your hands to read in person, and we're a phone call away for any questions. If you decide to go ahead, your signature is properly witnessed, which counties and courts require.

No. The visit is so you can read our agreement in person and sign only if you want to. If you decide it's not for you, that's completely fine, and the visit costs you nothing.

A valid photo ID. The notary needs it to witness your signature. If you're claiming as an heir, any documents you have, such as a death certificate or estate papers, are helpful, but we'll walk you through what's needed.

Yes. If you'd like, we'll send you our agreement ahead of the visit, along with sample copies of the other forms you'd sign, so you can read everything at your own pace.

Of course. We'll schedule the visit for a time when everyone who should be part of the decision can be there.

Often, yes. Surplus funds can pass to the owner's estate or heirs. The process usually needs extra documents, and sometimes involves probate court. We can help you understand what's needed.

The surplus is what remained after the debt from the sale was paid. If other liens exist, the county or court may pay those first. We sort that out before anything is paid, and you still owe us nothing up front.

That's common, since the records are public. Compare carefully: ask what their fee is, what costs they cover, and whether you can review everything in person first. If you've already signed with someone else, we'll respect that.

It can, depending on your situation. We don't give tax or legal advice, so please check with a tax professional before the funds are paid out.

Just tell us, by phone, email, or the stop-contact form, and we'll remove you right away. No questions asked.