Searching our database
If you would like to search our database for all of the unclaimed balance cases that we hold, you can do this by visiting the public counter of the Court Funds Office.
You may also apply in writing to the Chancery section of the Court Funds Office and we will perform a search on your behalf.
In order to preform the search we will require the following information:
- the title of the Court proceedings
- the name of the Court
- the name(s) of the person(s) who lodged the money into Court
- for whose benefit the money was lodged
- relevant dates
- the assumed link between you and any of the above, i.e. evidence of beneficial interest.
Do not send any original documents such as certificates of birth, marriage or death: copies are acceptable.
- You will be notified of any search made at your request.
Please be aware that
- Court Fund Office records are confidential. They will not be disclosed to anyone who cannot produce evidence of beneficial interest (see above).
- Fees are payable. It is possible that the fund may turn out to be of lesser value than the fees charged. You are strongly advised to obtain details of these before initiating an investigation.
- The Court Funds Office does not hold any original Court documents.
- The Court Funds Office cannot answer any questions about entitlement by descent or relationship, legal procedures or selection of legal advisors.
- Pursuing a claim on dormant funds may not result in a successful claim. Even if you are able to recover the originating documents your claim may not necessarily succeed and the costs involved may outweigh the sums actually being held.
For further information, please see our leaflet called "Notes for guidance on Unclaimed Funds in Chancery".