Have you ever moved, changed banks, or simply forgotten about an account? You might be one of many Alabamians with unclaimed money waiting to be recovered. Across Alabama, millions of dollars are held in unclaimed funds, often from sources like forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance payouts, and even stocks. This guide, from the experts at money-central.com, will walk you through how to search for and claim Alabama Unclaimed Money that might be rightfully yours.
Is There Alabama Unclaimed Money Waiting For You?
Unclaimed money, also known as unclaimed funds or abandoned property, refers to assets that have been turned over to the state after the rightful owner cannot be located. In Alabama, these funds are held by various entities, including the state treasury and sometimes, as in certain specific cases, by federal courts. This article focuses on how to navigate the process specifically related to unclaimed funds that might be held by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Alabama.
Searching for Unclaimed Funds in Alabama
The first step in recovering Alabama unclaimed money is to conduct a thorough search. For funds held by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of Alabama, the primary tool is the Unclaimed Funds Locator.
Here’s how to search:
- Visit the Unclaimed Funds Locator: Go to the official U.S. Courts website for the Unclaimed Funds Locator.
- Select Alabama Northern District: From the dropdown menu, choose ALNB – Alabama Northern. This specifies your search to the relevant court district in Alabama.
- Enter Search Criteria: Input your name, business name, or any other relevant details that might help locate potential unclaimed funds. Be as thorough as possible with your search terms.
- Review Results: Carefully examine the search results. If you find a potential match, note down the details and proceed to the next step: claiming your funds.
For general Alabama unclaimed money not related to bankruptcy courts, you should also check the website of the Alabama State Treasury, as they handle the majority of unclaimed property in the state. However, this guide is focused on funds that might be held by the federal bankruptcy court in Alabama’s Northern District.
If you require further assistance with your search, or if you have questions about the process, you can contact the Clerk’s office of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of Alabama directly at (205) 714-4008.
How to File a Claim for Alabama Unclaimed Money from the Bankruptcy Court
Once you’ve located potential Alabama unclaimed money using the Unclaimed Funds Locator, the next step is to officially claim it. This involves filing an “Application for Payment of Unclaimed Funds” with the court.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to filing your claim:
1. Complete the Application Form
- Use the Official Form: You must use the court’s standard application form, known as ALNB LBF 1340. You can typically find this form on the court’s website or through the provided link.
- Fill it Out Online, Print, and Sign: While you may be able to complete the form electronically, it must be printed for original signatures.
- Notarization is Essential: Crucially, your application must be signed (original “wet” signature, blue ink preferred) in the presence of a notary public. The notary public must also sign and affix their official seal. Applications without proper notarization will likely be rejected.
- Applicant vs. Claimant: Understand the terms “Applicant” and “Claimant.” The Applicant is the person filing the application. The Claimant is the party legally entitled to the unclaimed funds. These can be the same person.
2. Serve the U.S. Attorney
After completing the application, you are required to formally notify the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama. This is done by serving them a copy of your application.
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Address for Service: Mail a copy of your application to:
United States Attorney
Northern District of Alabama
1801 Fourth Ave N
Birmingham, AL 35203
3. Gather Supporting Documentation
Submitting the correct supporting documents is critical to a successful claim. The required documentation depends on who you are and why you are entitled to the funds. You will also need to provide your Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) using the correct IRS form.
Payee Information and Tax Forms:
- Tax Identification Number (TIN): You, as the Claimant, must provide your TIN to the court. This is done using specific IRS forms.
- For U.S. Claimants (Domestic):
- Use Form AO 213P or Form W-9. Both are available on the IRS website.
- If you want to receive payment via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT), you must use Form AO 213P.
- For Foreign Claimants:
- Use Form W-8 along with Form AO 215. Both are available on the IRS website and the U.S. Courts website.
Additional Documentation Based on Claimant Type:
The court requires specific documentation to verify your identity and your right to claim the funds. This documentation varies based on whether you are the original owner of record, a successor claimant, or representing a deceased person’s estate.
A. Owner of Record (Original Payee)
If you are the original person or entity to whom the funds were initially owed, you are the Owner of Record. The documentation needed depends if you are an individual or a business/government entity.
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i. Owner of Record – Individual:
- Proof of Identity: Provide an unredacted copy of a valid government-issued photo ID that includes your current address. Examples include a driver’s license, state ID card, or U.S. passport.
- Notarized Signature: Your notarized signature on the application itself serves as confirmation.
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ii. Owner of Record – Business or Government Entity:
- Authorized Representative Signature: The application must be signed by someone authorized to represent the business or government entity.
- Notarized Authority Statement: You must provide a notarized statement confirming the signing representative’s authority to act on behalf of the entity.
- Representative’s ID: Proof of identity for the signing representative (as described for individuals).
- Name Change Proof: If the business or entity name has changed since the funds were deposited, you must provide legal documentation of the name change.
B. Successor Claimant
If you are claiming funds as a Successor Claimant, meaning you’ve acquired the rights to the funds through assignment, purchase, merger, inheritance, or other legal means, you’ll need to provide additional documentation to prove this succession.
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i. Successor Claimant – Individual:
- Successor Claimant ID: Proof of identity for yourself (the successor claimant).
- Notarized Signature: Your notarized signature on the application.
- Chain of Ownership Documentation: Provide documents that legally establish the transfer of the claim from the original Owner of Record to you. This could include contracts, assignment agreements, or legal rulings.
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ii. Successor Claimant – Business or Government Entity:
- Authorized Representative Signature: Application signed by an authorized representative.
- Notarized Authority Statement: Notarized statement of the signing representative’s authority.
- Notarized Power of Attorney: A notarized power of attorney, signed by an authorized representative of the successor entity.
- Representative’s ID: ID for the signing representative.
- Chain of Ownership Documentation: Documents proving the legal transfer of claim from the original Owner of Record to the successor entity.
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iii. Deceased Claimant’s Estate:
- Estate Representative ID: Proof of identity for the representative of the deceased’s estate.
- Probate Documents: Certified copies of probate court documents or other legal documents that authorize the representative to act on behalf of the deceased’s estate. This might include a small estate affidavit, depending on Alabama state law.
- Deceased Claimant Documentation: Documents that establish the deceased person’s identity and their original entitlement to the funds.
C. Claimant Representative (Attorney or Other Representative)
If you are an attorney or another authorized representative filing the claim on behalf of the Claimant, you must provide:
- Representative ID: Proof of your own identity.
- Notarized Power of Attorney: A notarized power of attorney signed by the Claimant authorizing you to act on their behalf.
- Claimant Documentation: All documentation necessary to establish the Claimant’s identity and their entitlement to the funds (as described in sections A and B above, depending on whether the Claimant is the Owner of Record or a Successor Claimant).
4. File Your Application
Once you have completed the application form, served the U.S. Attorney, and gathered all required supporting documentation, you must mail everything to the court.
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Mailing Address:
U.S. BANKRUPTCY COURT
ATTN: Financial Specialist
1800 Fifth Ave N
Birmingham, AL 35203
Need Help?
Claiming Alabama unclaimed money can seem complicated, but by following these steps carefully, you can navigate the process effectively. If you encounter any difficulties or have questions about the forms or required documentation, do not hesitate to contact the Clerk’s office at (205) 714-4008 for assistance. They can provide guidance to help you recover your Alabama unclaimed money.
