State Unclaimed Property in Delaware

State Unclaimed Property in Delaware: key facts

Administering office

Delaware Department of Finance, Office of Unclaimed Property (State Escheator).

Official search

unclaimedproperty.delaware.gov (free search and online claims); multi-state search at missingmoney.com.

Heir claim documents

A death certificate plus proof of the relationship or right to the property — such as Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration if the estate was probated, or court or vital records establishing heirship if it was not.

Deadline to claim

Delaware holds unclaimed property until it is claimed, so there is generally no deadline for heirs to file.

Small estate option

Heirs may use a Delaware Small Estate Affidavit under 12 Del.C. § 2306 instead of full probate when the decedent's personal estate does not exceed $30,000 and the decedent owned no Delaware real estate. The affidavit must state that at least 30 days have elapsed since death, that debts are paid or provided for, and that no letters of administration petition is pending. The Office of Unclaimed Property accepts this affidavit as proof of heirship in lieu of Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.

Claim processing time

Approximately 12 weeks from the date the Office of Unclaimed Property receives the completed inquiry, per the Delaware Department of Finance unclaimed property publication (Oct. 2013). Current processing times may vary; contact the office at 855-505-7520 to confirm.