[Cheerio]

Originally Posted by AnchorAlumna

Since I have gone through my dad's death, then my mom's, and now my father-in-law's, and dealt with settling estates, I do check the secretary of state's websites at least once a year. My parents had several little bank accounts in two or three states (including North Carolina) over the years, so I try to check to see if anything turns up. The only thing so far was a small utility refund due a cousin.

But I'd check with the secretary of state's official site, and beware of any other offers to "help" you. You may not need a lawyer - just the proper documentation such as power of attorney, will, death certificate.

Reading one of these S.O.S. lists in a newspaper years ago, I found parents of my sorority sister listed by name AND address. None of them still lived in-state, so I happily mailed her the information.

Nowadays, I believe only names are listed by the S.O.S. in the newspaper (with no address). So now, unfortunately, if your name is misspelled you might not even notice whether you are listed in the paper or online. Same thing if the S.O.S. has a slightly incorrect address in their unclaimed property records under your name.