Colton, CA asked in Legal Malpractice and Probate for California

Q: We know he had life ins because his monthly premiums where sent to state "unclaimed moneys'" in CA treasury office.

I know he had an ins policy because his monthly premiums where sent to state "unclaimed moneys'" in CA treasury office.

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James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: In California, when insurance premiums are sent to the state's "unclaimed moneys," it often indicates that the insurance policy might have been forgotten or abandoned by the policyholder. This situation can arise when premium payments are no longer being made, and the insurance company is unable to contact the policyholder.

To address this, you should start by contacting the California State Controller's Office. They manage unclaimed property, including funds like insurance premiums that have been turned over to the state. Their website provides a searchable database where you can look for unclaimed property by entering the name of the deceased.

If you find a record of unclaimed insurance premiums, you can file a claim with the State Controller's Office. They will require proof of your right to claim the property, such as documentation establishing your relationship to the deceased and any legal authority you have to manage their estate.

It's important to also contact the insurance company directly. Provide them with the details of the deceased and any policy information you have. They can confirm whether a policy exists and guide you on the process to claim any benefits.

Remember, the process can be time-consuming and may require detailed documentation. If complexities arise, or if you're unsure about your legal rights or how to proceed, consider seeking legal advice to navigate these issues.

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