Surplus record on file

Records show surplus funds held in your name

Here’s how to recover them — without paying 40–50% to recovery agencies
estimated surplus funds held in your name
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We don’t get paid unless you do Zero upfront cost. 20% fee only upon your receipt of funds.
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You stay in control Funds go directly to you from the county. We never touch your money.
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Far less than agencies or attorneys Recovery agencies charge 35–50%. Attorneys charge 25–40%. We charge 20%.
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Document prep only — not a law firm Your data comes from county court records. We prepare; you file.
Your numbers

See exactly what you keep

Fee comparison calculator

Based on your verified surplus amount from county records.

Your verified surplus amount
—
✓ From county records
Most common choice
Our service
Compliance Document Systems LLC
✓ Lowest fee  ✓ You stay in control
You keep
—
Fee: —
20% of recovery
Recovery agency
You keep
—
Fee: —
avg. 40%
Attorney / locator
You keep
—
Fee: —
avg. 33%
Your savings vs. recovery agency—
Your savings vs. attorney / locator—

* $1,500 minimum fee applies. If 20% of your recovery is less than $1,500, the minimum applies instead.

The process

Four steps. One round trip. You file it yourself.

Our entire model is built to minimize what you have to do while keeping you fully in control.

0
Day 0
You sign agreement
5
Day 5
We send claim package
~10
Day ~10
You mail claim to county
30–120d
30–120 days
County issues payment

Most counties issue payment within 30–120 days after filing. Timeline varies by county and state.

1
We do this
You sign our document preparation agreement
A simple engagement agreement confirming our 20% contingency fee — due only when you receive your funds. Nothing owed upfront. Signed electronically in under a minute via DocuSeal.
2
We do this
We prepare your complete claim package
Within 5 business days: completed county-specific claim form, supporting document checklist, notarization instructions, and the exact mailing address and delivery method. We pull the recorded deed and claim form ourselves — you don’t have to find anything.
3
You do this
You sign, notarize if required, and mail your claim
You sign the claim documents, get notarized where required (we tell you exactly which ones), and mail the package to the county. The county sends your payment directly to you — we are never in the middle.
4
Only after you receive your funds
You receive your check — then pay our fee
When the county issues your payment, notify us and pay our 20% fee (min. $1,500) within 30 days. If you never receive funds, you owe us nothing.
What you receive

Preview your claim package

Here is exactly what we prepare and deliver to you within 5 business days of signing.

Your document package includes

Every item below is prepared specifically for your county and property — not a generic template.

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Completed claim form
Pre-filled with your name, parcel ID, and case details. Specific to your county.
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Supporting document checklist
Exactly what to gather: photo ID, proof of ownership, W-9, Social Security card where required.
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Notarization instructions
Which documents require notarization, how to find a notary, and what to bring.
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Mailing instructions
Exact clerk address, department name, required delivery method (certified mail, etc.).

Sample packages are available on request. Email claims@compliancedocsystems.com.

Responsibilities

What we handle vs. what you handle

W We prepare
  • Completed claim form for your specific county
  • Supporting document checklist
  • Notarization instructions (which docs, where to go)
  • Exact mailing address and required delivery method
  • Recorded deed copy from county recorder
  • Pre-filled W-9 where required
  • County-specific filing instructions step by step
Y You handle
  • Sign the completed claim documents
  • Have required documents notarized (we tell you which)
  • Gather government-issued photo ID
  • Mail the package to the county clerk
  • Notify us when you receive your disbursement
  • Pay our fee within 30 days of receiving funds
Fee structure

Simple, transparent pricing

20% of what you recover
Contingency only. You pay nothing until funds are in your hands.
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No upfront payment. No retainer. No hourly fees.
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$1,500 minimum fee. If 20% of your recovery is less than $1,500, the minimum applies instead.
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If your claim is denied or you receive nothing, you owe us nothing.
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Flat-fee packages available by mutual written agreement before services begin.
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Payment is due within 30 days of your receipt of funds from the county.
Our fee covers document preparation services only. We do not provide legal advice, legal representation, or act as your agent or attorney in any proceeding.
Example: If your surplus is $10,000, our fee is $2,000 and you keep $8,000. Recovery agencies would charge ~$4,000 (40%) and attorneys ~$3,300 (33%). You save $1,300–$2,000 by choosing us.
Common questions

Before you get started

Yes. Anyone can file directly with the county clerk at no cost — no third-party assistance is required. We always disclose this clearly, including in every letter we send. Our service exists for people who prefer to have the documents professionally prepared rather than navigate the process on their own.
Every county has different forms, requirements, notarization rules, and filing procedures. Most people have never filed a surplus claim before and don’t know where to start. We prepare the complete package so you don’t have to research the process, track down forms, or worry about missing a step. You receive everything ready to sign and mail.
No. The county sends payment directly to you. We are a document preparation service — we never act as your representative, agent, or intermediary with any government office. We do not receive any portion of funds from the county or court registry. Your check comes directly from the county to you.
Most counties issue payment within 30–120 days after a complete claim is filed. Timeline varies by county, state, and whether there are any competing claims or title issues. Florida and South Carolina tend to process faster; Georgia and Pennsylvania can take longer. We will give you a county-specific estimate when we deliver your package.
It depends on your state. South Carolina imposes a strict 5-year deadline from the date of sale — after which funds are permanently forfeited. Florida has a 120-day county window from the date notice was mailed, after which funds may transfer to the state. Georgia and Pennsylvania do not have hard deadlines, but unclaimed funds may eventually move to state unclaimed property programs. We recommend acting promptly regardless of state.

Ready to get started?

Sign the agreement electronically in under a minute. We’ll prepare your complete document package within 5 business days.

Get started — sign the agreement →

No obligation. No upfront cost. Signing takes under 60 seconds.
Your case reference: —

Prefer to talk first? Email claims@compliancedocsystems.com — we respond within 1 business day.

Compliance Document Systems LLC provides document preparation services only. We are not attorneys, legal representatives, recovery agencies, surplus locators, or claimant’s representatives. We do not file documents on your behalf and do not receive any portion of funds held by any government office, court, or claims bureau. You have the right to claim these funds independently and at no cost by filing directly with the county clerk. Recovery of funds is not guaranteed. Statutory deadlines may apply depending on your state. This page is informational only.