Q: Is there a way to find a college fund left for me by a family member based off of my name and/or SSN?
Unfortunately, the executor(my grandmother) of a college fund left to us by our great grandmother is estranged to my siblings and I due to my parents' divorce and our choice to be with my mother for 100% custody after a 50/50 arrangement for 3 years when I was in middle school. 2 years ago, she sent a letter to my immediate family saying that she would not outright hide or get rid of the money, but does not feel compelled to help us gain access to it. Supposedly, the college funds go back to the government if no one uses them. I am about to enter a masters program, so I believe I have an eligible use for the funds. My preferred method of gaining the funds would be through me directly finding it based upon my identity and avoid speaking to this family member, but I am unaware of any services that may be keeping track of that kind of information. Would there happen to be a way for me to locate the funds and access them if I provide my identity information and school I will be attending?
A:
Since there is no 'one repository' of 529 plans you won't find 'one place' to look for the information you seek other than your relative who has the information.
Short of that (and mending fences with family is RARELY a bad idea for non-legal reasons -- so DO consider that option too!) you're about to embark on a gargantuan task of contacting every state that has a 529 plan, plus a myriad of private investment companies who also do that sort of investment.
You should probably also look into the various state's 'escheated property' divisions to see if the funds might not have already ended up there.
The SHORT answer though is it is probably far easier and will have far better long-term consequences if you try to mend that fence first. Remember, it isn't the money that is the most important part!
-- This answer is offered for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney/client relationship.
I am licensed to practice in Michigan only. Please seek competent local legal help if you feel you need legal advice
Brent T. Geers agrees with this answer
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