My Complete Recovery Process — Transparent Steps
From the first record review to the moment you receive funds — here is exactly what happens at every stage. No surprises, no hidden steps.
At a Glance
What to Expect
Before You Hear From Me
This work is already done by the time I contact you.
Records Audit
I review public records for unpaid assets.
Owner Research
I identify the rightful owner. If deceased, I trace heirs or the successor trustee. For businesses, I identify the board and who holds signing authority.
Locating You
I track down current contact information.
First Contact
I reach out with the specific record so you can verify it yourself.
After You Decide to Work With Me
Sign the Recovery Agreement
Nothing moves forward until this is signed.
Your Packet
I complete the claim forms and build a documentation checklist tailored to your claim. If your situation calls for additional legal forms — an Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property, a Statement of Succession and Chain of Title, or a Certificate of Trust — I prepare those too.
Sign, Notarize, Gather
You sign, notarize, and collect the documents on your checklist.
Final Review
I check the completed packet before anything is mailed.
Filed & Copied
I mail the claim and send you scanned electronic copies of everything submitted.
Most standard claims are paid within 6–16 weeks once the completed packet is filed. Estate, trust, and business claims can take longer.
The Full Process
Step-by-Step: How I Recover Your Funds
Record Review
My lead source is the State of Hawaii Unclaimed Property database, publicly available at unclaimedproperty.ehawaii.gov. I search by personal name and business name.
Free Consultation
You contact me by phone, email, or through my contact form. I'll review what was found in the State unclaimed property database, and explain exactly what's involved in pursuing the claim for your specific situation. This consultation is completely free and carries zero obligation. My intake system may collect basic information and help schedule a follow-up.
Signed Recovery Agreement
If you'd like to proceed, I'll send you a Recovery Agreement for your electronic signature. The Recovery Agreement discloses:
- The exact record(s) I've identified and where they appear
- My contingency fee terms
- The full terms of my engagement
- Your right to cancel within a specified period
Fee agreements may be subject to applicable law. You sign digitally from any device — no printing, no office visit, no notary required for this step.
Document Collection
I'll provide you with a clear checklist of the exact documents needed for your specific claim type. Documents are returned to me by mail. 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 trust claims: trust instrument or certificate of trust
- For business claims: business license, EIN documentation
Notarization
Some claims require notarized documents. I tell you exactly which pages need notarizing and what to bring, then you visit any Hawaii notary. I handle everything else.
Claim Preparation
I prepare a complete, properly formatted claim package to submit to the Hawaii Department of Budget and Finance. I review all documentation for accuracy and completeness before submission.
Claim Submission
I mail your complete claim package to the appropriate government office. I retain a complete copy of everything submitted for your records and mine.
Review & Follow-Up
The government office reviews the claim. Processing times vary by claim type and workload, but typically range from 6 weeks to 4 months for standard claims, and longer for complex estate, trust, or business claims. I check in when it makes sense. If the office requests anything, I handle it.
Approval & Payment to You
When the claim is approved, payment is issued directly to you — the rightful owner. This comes in the form of a check or direct deposit from the appropriate government office. You receive the funds, not me. I never receive or hold your funds at any point.
My Fee — Only After You're Paid
Only after you receive your funds does my contingency fee apply. If the claim is denied or you receive nothing, you owe me nothing. Fee agreements may be subject to applicable law. This is my unconditional guarantee — my success depends entirely on your success.
My fee is charged only after successful recovery. You may also pursue claims directly through the appropriate government office at no cost.
Roles & Responsibilities
What I Handle vs. What You Do
My goal is to make your role as simple as possible — typically just providing documents and waiting for your payment.
| Task | I Handle | You Do |
|---|---|---|
| Check State of Hawaii Unclaimed Property database | ✓ I do this | You can too (free at unclaimedproperty.ehawaii.gov) |
| Provide personal identification documents | ✗ Not my role | ✓ You provide |
| Sign the Recovery Agreement | ✗ Not my role | ✓ You sign (digital) |
| Notarize documents (if needed) | ✗ Not my role | ✓ You visit a local notary |
| Prepare the claim package | ✓ I prepare everything | ✗ Nothing required |
| Submit claim to appropriate government office | ✓ I submit | ✗ Nothing required |
| Monitor claim status | ✓ I check in when it makes sense | ✗ Nothing required |
| Respond to requests for additional info | ✓ I handle | ✗ Nothing required — if the State calls you, call me |
| Receive the payment | ✗ I never receive your funds | ✓ Funds go directly to YOU |
Timeline
How Long Does the Process Take?
The honest answer: it depends on claim complexity and which source the funds come from. Here are realistic expectations.
The Process
One Notary Visit — I Handle the Rest
The agreement is signed electronically — no printing or office visit required. Your claim packet is different: you gather your documents, get any required pages notarized at a local Hawaii notary, and mail the packet to me. I handle the filing and send you scanned copies of everything submitted.
Electronic Signatures
All agreements are signed digitally using industry-standard e-signature technology.
Documents by Mail
You mail your notarized documents and checklist to me in one packet — no online portal or login required.
Sign, Notarize, Mail
Ready to Start the Process?
Call me Mon–Fri 8am–6pm or fill out my contact form. Verify your records first for free — check the State database.