Losing a loved one is hard enough. The added stress of trying to locate their assets, from bank accounts to property deeds, can feel completely overwhelming. You may not even know where to begin looking. We created this estate planning guide for you. This free starter guide from the Law Office of Jack Robinson, a trusted Texas probate attorney, provides a clear, organized roadmap to help you start the process. It’s designed to turn a mountain of uncertainty into a series of manageable steps for families in Rockwall and surrounding areas.

What This Guide Covers

 

Physical Assets

• A checklist for searching a home, office, and safe deposit boxes.

Real Estate & Business Interests

• How to use public records to find property deeds and business ownership.

Forgotten Money

• Step-by-step instructions for finding unclaimed property in Texas or any other state.

Retirement & Insurance Benefits

• Who to contact at former employers
• How to search for missing life insurance policies

Hidden Clues

• How to use tax returns and credit reports to uncover hidden accounts and sources of income.

Digital Footprints

• The right way to handle digital assets like email and online accounts. Learn more about proper digital asset search practices.
  
  

A Quick But Important Legal Note

Before you begin, it’s crucial to understand that accessing certain accounts requires legal authority under the Texas probate process.

Financial Accounts: You may need to be appointed by a probate court as the estate representative (executor or administrator) before a bank or financial institution will speak with you.

Digital Assets: Accessing a decedent’s email, computer, or online accounts without authorization may violate federal and Texas laws.

This guide provides a starting point for your search, but legal guidance from a Rockwall estate lawyer is essential to avoid personal liability.