Lost a Loved One and Unsure What They Left Behind? Here’s How to Track Down Their Assets

When a family member dies, you’re often left juggling grief, paperwork, and tough financial questions all at once. One of the biggest: Did they have money or property I don’t know about? Tracking down a deceased loved one’s assets can feel overwhelming, but a clear, step‑by‑step approach can help you uncover what’s out there—and protect your family’s finances.

Start With What You Can See

Begin with the obvious and accessible information before you dive into more complex searches.

Gather key documents

Look for:

Will or estate plan
Trust documents
Life insurance policies
Bank and credit union statements
Retirement account statements (401(k), IRA, pension)
Investment account statements (brokerage, mutual funds)
Property deeds and mortgage papers
Vehicle titles (cars, motorcycles, boats, RVs)
Business records, if they owned a company

Check desk drawers, file cabinets, safes, and safe deposit box keys, as well as digital storage like email and cloud accounts.

Review mail and email

For the next few months, monitor their mail and, if you have legal access, their email. Look for:

Bank and investment statements
Insurance premium notices
Credit card bills
Tax notices
Dividend checks or royalty payments

Any recurring statement or bill usually points to an asset or liability.

Use Official Records to Track Property and Money

Once you’ve collected the basics, expand your search using public records and government resources.

Check probate court and county records

If there’s a will, it’s typically filed with the probate court in the county where your loved one lived. Even without a will, the estate may go through a probate process.

You can:

Search the probate court’s case index under your loved one’s name
Check the county recorder or assessor for:
- Real estate ownership
- Property tax records
- Liens that may affect the property’s value

These records can reveal homes, land, or timeshares that weren’t widely known.

Look for unclaimed property

Many people die with forgotten accounts or refunds. Each state has an unclaimed property office that holds:

Old bank accounts
Utility deposits
Uncashed checks
Insurance proceeds

Search using your loved one’s full legal name and any previous names or spellings.

Don’t Overlook Digital and Online Assets

Modern estates often include online-only accounts that don’t leave much of a paper trail.

Review digital accounts (where you have legal access)

Look for:

Online banking and investment logins
Payment apps: PayPal, Venmo, Cash App, etc.
Cryptocurrency wallets or exchange accounts
Online savings apps or robo-advisors

Only access accounts in ways that comply with estate and privacy laws. Often, the executor will work directly with the institution to obtain information.

Consider digital valuables

Some online items can have real monetary value:

Domain names or websites
Online stores or business accounts (e.g., seller accounts, freelance platforms)
Digital intellectual property (courses, books, stock photos, music)

These may not show up in standard searches but can still be valuable estate assets.

Coordinate With Financial Institutions

Once you know where to look, it’s time to contact banks, insurers, and other companies.

Reach out with proof of authority

Financial institutions will usually require:

A death certificate
Proof you’re the executor, administrator, or authorized representative (letters testamentary or similar documents)

Ask them to:

Confirm all accounts under your loved one’s name and Social Security number
Provide current balances
Identify any automatic payments, loans, or credit lines

Check retirement and life insurance benefits

Many families miss substantial money in retirement and insurance:

Employer benefits: 401(k), pension, group life insurance
Individual life insurance policies
Annuities

Contact the deceased’s current and former employers, unions, or professional associations. Ask about:

Unpaid wages
Retirement plan balances
Death benefits

These funds can be crucial if you’re also facing bills, mortgage payments, or credit card debt.

Be Aware of Debts and Legal Responsibilities

Finding assets is only half the picture—the estate may also owe debts and taxes.

Inventory both assets and liabilities

Create a simple list:

Assets: cash, investments, property, vehicles, business interests, valuable collectibles, digital assets
Debts: mortgages, car loans, credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, tax debts

This snapshot helps you and the probate court determine:

Whether the estate is solvent (assets > debts)
How to prioritize payments
Whether you might need professional help (attorney, financial planner)

Know when you are and aren’t personally responsible

In many cases, debts are paid from the estate, not from family members’ personal funds. However, you may be personally responsible if:

You were a co-signer or joint account holder
You live in a community property state and were married to the deceased
You took over a joint loan, such as an auto loan or home equity line

If the estate’s debts feel overwhelming, learning about debt relief options, credit counseling, or negotiation strategies can help protect your own finances while settling theirs.

When to Seek Extra Help or Financial Support

Settling an estate can be emotionally tiring and financially stressful—especially if you depended on your loved one’s income.

You may want to explore:

Government aid programs: Social Security survivor benefits, veterans’ benefits, possible state assistance
Short‑term financial help: hardship programs with utility companies, lenders, or credit card issuers
Debt relief tools: consolidation, hardship payment plans, or structured repayment programs
Automotive and housing decisions: whether to keep, refinance, sell, or surrender a vehicle or property tied to the estate

If the deceased left behind pets, remember they are part of the legacy too. Planning for ongoing care costs for cats and dogs—food, vet visits, pet insurance—should be factored into the overall financial picture.

The more clearly you understand the full set of assets and obligations, the easier it becomes to make thoughtful choices: what to keep, what to sell, and what support you may need for your own stability moving forward.