FAQ's

Fee Finder:

Fee Finder:


What/Who is a Fee Finder?

A Fee Finder (Heir/Certified Finder) is a person that seeks to find Unclaimed Property and return it to rightful property owners (or heirs) for a fee.


Is a percentage set by Utah for fee finding?

Yes, 20 percent. See Utah Administrative Rule R966-1-36.


Are there guidelines that Fee Finders must follow?

Yes. They must follow the provisions of the Unclaimed Property Act, Utah Code Annotated, Title 67, Chapter 4a and Utah Administrative Rule R966-1-36. Some of the key stipulations are provided in the additional FAQ's that follow.


Are there any time requirements?

Yes. Fee Finders must wait 24 months after the delivery of any property to the Unclaimed Property Division before any agreement they make to recover or assist in the recovery of that property is valid.


How do I gain access to the Unclaimed Property records?

The information that is not private can be searched online at our website. Anyone can search our online database to review the properties available. Unclaimed Property records of this office are classified as private data as described in the "Government Records Access Management Act." We do not give or sell a list of individuals or properties that will be used for commercial purposes. Claim forms for specific properties may be submitted by:
The reported owner;
In the case of property reported in the name of a deceased person, the executor, administrator, or personal representative of an owner's estate, or an heir if there is no will or the probate is closed; or
A second party (such as a fee finder) upon receipt of a power of attorney signed by the owner(s) or, in the case of a deceased person, signed by the personal representative or legal heir, if there is no will or probate has closed.


Are there any special requirements regarding the power of attorney?

Yes. The Unclaimed Property Division provides a sample "specific" power of attorney (click on Forms on our home page and the Sample Power of Attorney Form will be listed there). "General" powers of attorney are not acceptable. The power of attorney MUST adhere to the following:

The original power of attorney must be submitted to this office. Copies are not acceptable.
Specific authorization must be given for this office to release the information from Government Private Data Files.
The power of attorney CANNOT contain any contractual provisions (such as fee or percentage charged, etc.). Any powers containing contractual provisions will be returned as unacceptable. The finder contract must be a separate document and a copy should be sent to this office along with the power of attorney.
Powers of attorney will not be accepted from banks or other financial institutions or State agencies.
Powers of attorney signed on behalf of a corporation, business, or any federal agency must be signed by an official with authority to commit the corporation or business to the fee-finding agreement. Proof of the signer's association with the entity and authority to enter into contracts for the entity must be sent with the power of attorney.
Instructions on payment. Only one check is prepared.
If the check is to be made out in both names (i.e., claimant and fee finder), specific mailing instructions are required. The check will be mailed to the claimant, unless specific instructions indicate otherwise.
If the check is to be made out in the name of the fee finder only, the power of attorney must specifically grant authority to sign the claim form and receive payment on behalf of the owner.
A separate fee agreement that demonstrates that fees to be charged comply with the 20% fee limitation for Utah unclaimed property division.