Heir Finders or Locators

1. ​​​​ What is an heir finder or locator?


2. Does an heir finder or locator have to be licensed or registered to operate in the State of Wisconsin?


3. Do I have to hire an heir finder or locator to claim my property?


4. How much can an heir finder or locator charge for helping me with my claim?


5. Does the locator agreement/contract need to be filed at the time the claim is submitted?


6. How does the unclaimed property process work if I hire an heir finder or locator?


7. How do I file a complaint about an heir finder or locator?

1. What is an heir finder or locator?

   An heir finder or locator is a person who attempts to locate apparent owners of unclaimed property. These persons may enter into a contract with the apparent owner to assist in locating, recovering, and delivering unclaimed property to the owner.

2. Does an heir finder or locator have to be licensed or registered to operate in the State of Wisconsin?

   There is no license or registration requirement. However, they must follow certain disclosure requirements and cannot charge fees in excess of 20% of the actual value of the property recovered.

3. Do I have to hire an heir finder or locator to claim my property?

   No. You can search for unclaimed property and file a claim on our website. You can also visit​ ​missingmoney.com to search for unclaimed property nationwide.

   If you hire an heir finder or locator to assist you, you must have a written agreement with the heir finder that includes:

   • a description and value of the property
   • name and address of the holder and whether the property is in the custody of the Department of Revenue
   • the fee or other compensation you will pay to the heir finder or locator
   • your notarized signature
   
   

   The written agreement with an heir finder or locator must be submitted at the same time the claim for property is filed with the Department of Revenue. Without the agreement, we will not be able to speak with the heir finder or locator about your claim.​
   

4. How much can an heir finder or locator charge for helping me with my claim?

   If you enter into a contract with an heir finder or locator, they cannot charge you a fee in excess of 20% of the actual value of the property recovered.

5. Does the locator agreement/contract need to be filed at the time the claim is submitted?

   Yes, per state law the agreement must be submitted with the claim to be valid.

6. How does the unclaimed property process work if I hire an heir finder or locator?

   The heir finder or locator works with you to gather additional information (if needed) to process your claim. Once the claim is processed, we pay you the total amount you are owed. You are then responsible for paying the heir finder or locator.

   All correspondence is sent directly to you, including payment. The heir finder or locator may request a copy of any letters regarding the claim from the Department of Revenue.

7. How do I file a complaint about an heir finder or locator​?

   All complaints must be filed with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP). File a complaint.

Applicable Laws and Rules

This document provides statements or interpretations of the following laws and regulations enacted as of February 10, 2021: Sections 177.01, 177.18, 177.24 and 177.35, Wis. Stats.

Laws enacted and in effect after February 10, 2021, new administrative rules, and court decisions may change the interpretations in this document. Guidance issued prior to February 10, 2021, that is contrary to the information in this document is superseded by this document, pursuant to sec. 73.16(2)(a), Wis. Stats.

The department welcomes your input on our guidance. Submit comments on this guidance document.​​

Guidance Document Number: 100151

February 10​, 2021