Our Complete Recovery Process — 10 Transparent Steps
From the first search to the moment you receive your money from the State — here is exactly what happens at every stage. No surprises, no hidden steps.
The Full Process
Step-by-Step: How We Recover Your Funds
Free Database Search
Everything begins with a free search of the State of Hawaii unclaimed property database at dollars.ehawaii.gov. You can do this yourself — we encourage it. If you find potential records and want our help, contact us. If you'd like us to do an expanded search for you (including alternative spellings, former addresses, and business names), we can do that at no charge during the consultation.
Free Consultation
You contact us by phone, email, or through our contact form. We'll review what was found and explain exactly what's involved in filing the claim for your specific situation. This consultation is completely free and carries zero obligation. Our AI receptionist Leilani is available to answer calls and schedule callbacks around the clock.
Signed Finder Agreement
If you'd like to proceed, we'll send you a Finder Agreement for your electronic signature. This agreement is governed by Hawaii Revised Statutes §523A-25 and discloses:
- The exact funds we've identified on your behalf
- Our 20% contingency fee (the maximum allowed)
- The full terms of our engagement
- Your right to cancel within a specified period
You sign digitally from any device — no printing, no office visit, no notary required for this step.
Document Collection
We'll provide you with a clear checklist of the exact documents needed for your specific claim type. You upload them securely through our document portal. Common documents include:
- Government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport)
- Social Security card or number verification
- Proof of address matching the property record
- For estate claims: death certificate, probate documents
- For business claims: business license, EIN documentation
Notarization (If Required)
Some claims require notarized documents. We facilitate this entirely online through our certified remote online notarization (RON) service — a state-approved method. You connect via video, verify your identity, and sign in front of a licensed notary digitally. This typically takes 15–20 minutes and can be done from your home, office, or anywhere with internet access.
Claim Preparation
Our team prepares a complete, properly formatted claim package to submit to the State of Hawaii. We review all documentation for accuracy and completeness before submission. A thorough, properly assembled claim is the single most important factor in minimizing processing delays.
Claim Submission to the State
We submit your complete claim package to the Hawaii Department of Budget and Finance, Unclaimed Property Program. We submit electronically where available, or by certified mail when required. We retain a complete copy of everything submitted for your records and ours.
State Review & Follow-Up
The State of Hawaii reviews the claim. Processing times vary by claim type and state workload, but typically range from 6 weeks to 4 months for standard claims, and longer for complex estate or business claims. We monitor the status and proactively follow up with the state if there are any delays or requests for additional information. You don't have to chase anyone — we do that for you.
State Approves & Issues Payment to You
When the state approves your claim, they issue payment directly to you — the rightful owner. This comes in the form of a state check or direct deposit (depending on state options available at the time). You will receive a disbursement notice. The State of Hawaii pays you, not us. We never receive or hold your funds at any point.
Our Fee — 20% After You're Paid
Only after you receive your disbursement notice from the state does our 20% contingency fee apply. Based on the disbursement notice amount, you pay our fee. If the state denies the claim or you receive nothing, you owe us nothing. This is our unconditional guarantee.
Example: If the State of Hawaii pays you $10,000, our fee is $2,000. You net $8,000 with zero upfront cost and zero paperwork headache.
Roles & Responsibilities
What We Handle vs. What You Do
Our goal is to make your role as simple as possible — typically just providing documents and waiting for your payment.
| Task | We Handle | You Do |
|---|---|---|
| Search unclaimed property database | ✓ We do this | You can too (free) |
| Identify and verify matching records | ✓ We do this | Optional |
| Provide personal identification documents | ✗ Not our role | ✓ You provide |
| Sign the Finder Agreement | ✗ Not our role | ✓ You sign (digital) |
| Complete online notarization (if needed) | ✓ We facilitate & schedule | ✓ You participate (15 min video) |
| Prepare the claim package | ✓ We prepare everything | ✗ Nothing required |
| Submit claim to the State of Hawaii | ✓ We submit | ✗ Nothing required |
| Monitor claim status with the State | ✓ We monitor & follow up | ✗ Nothing required |
| Respond to state requests for additional info | ✓ We handle | We'll involve you if needed |
| Receive the payment from State of Hawaii | ✗ We never receive your funds | ✓ State pays YOU directly |
Timeline
How Long Does the Process Take?
The honest answer: it depends on claim complexity. Here are realistic expectations.
100% Digital
You Never Need to Visit an Office
Our entire process is designed to work from your phone, tablet, or computer. Whether you're on Oahu or a neighbor island, you'll never need to travel or mail physical documents.
Electronic Signatures
All agreements are signed digitally using industry-standard e-signature technology — legally binding and court-admissible in Hawaii.
Online Notarization
Remote Online Notarization (RON) is fully legal in Hawaii. You connect via video with a licensed notary — no travel, no appointment scheduling hassle.
Secure Document Upload
All documents are transmitted and stored using bank-grade encryption. Your personal information is protected at every step.
Everything From Your Phone
Ready to Start the Process?
Call Leilani or fill out our contact form. First step is always free — verify your funds at dollars.ehawaii.gov right now.