| The contents of safe deposit boxes with
expired leases and no further rental payments or claims
eventually revert to state control, but dormancy periods
vary widely by state. Due to confidentiality concerns,
both on the part of owners and the institutions where the
boxes are located, this type of asset can be difficult to
trace. Because many states auction the contents of
escheated boxes after a number of years (although the
cash received may always be available for claim, items of
personal significance may be lost forever), prompt action
is necessary.
If it has
been several years since the last rental payment has been
made, check with the state unclaimed property office
where the owner last lived. Also check the state where
the bank was located, if they are different.
If you
know the name of the bank where the box was held, but the
branch has closed, it is possible the contents were
transferred to a successor institution. To determine if
this was the case, go to:
Unclaimed Bank Account Search
If you
think a deceased family member may have had a box but
don't know exactly where, go to:
Safe Deposit Box
Search
|
