Our straightforward 4-step process gets you paid without the headaches. No paperwork stress. No deadline confusion. We handle it all.
4 steps. 60–180 days. Zero stress.
The legal framework
Why this money exists, and why it belongs to you.
When a property is sold at a tax-deed or mortgage foreclosure auction, state law dictates how the sale proceeds are distributed. First, the unpaid taxes, mortgage balance, recording fees, and any junior liens are paid in order of priority.
Anything left over, the surplus, does not belong to the county, the buyer, or the lender. By statute it belongs to the former property owner (or the owner's heirs).
The county or court holds these funds, usually for a defined statutory window (often 1–5 years, depending on state). If unclaimed, the money is "escheated" to the state's unclaimed property division and becomes much harder, sometimes impossible, to recover.
About our attorney network
Surplus-funds claims are legal matters, and the rules change from state to state. That's why Faithful Alliance USA partners with a nationwide network of licensed attorneys, with coverage in all 50 states. When you work with us, your claim is reviewed by an attorney licensed in the state where your property is located, so it's filed correctly, on time, and in line with local law. You get the reassurance of real legal oversight without the hassle of finding a lawyer yourself.
Phase 1
Free verification & research
Same day, typically under 2 business hours
We search the county court and clerk records for your sale to confirm whether surplus funds were generated, how much, and what the statutory deadline is. If nothing is owed, we tell you so, no charge, no follow-up sales calls, no obligation.
What you do
Share property address, last name, and phone
What we do
Pull case records from county clerk
Confirm surplus exists and the exact amount
Identify deadline and competing claims
Phase 2
Plain-English agreement
Same day after verification
If there are recoverable funds, we send a one-page contingency agreement with our fee clearly stated. Nothing is paid out of pocket. You can take it to your own attorney to review, we encourage it.
What you do
Read & sign the agreement (e-signature)
Provide ID & proof of prior ownership
What we do
Provide a clear written contract
Answer questions in plain English
Verify your identity carefully
Phase 3
Filing & court process
Filing within 48 hours · Court review 30–90 days typical
Our team prepares and files the motion or claim with the court or county. We respond to any objections, supply additional documentation as needed, and attend hearings on your behalf where allowed.
What you do
Stay reachable for clarifying questions
What we do
File motion / petition for surplus
Serve required parties
Respond to court & competing claims
Track every deadline
Phase 4
Disbursement & payment
Funds typically released 30–60 days after court approval
The court releases the surplus to our trust account or directly to you (varies by jurisdiction). We disburse your share immediately. Only then do we collect our previously-disclosed fee.
What you do
Receive your money
What we do
Receive & disburse funds promptly
Issue documentation for your records
Stay available for tax-time questions
Document examples
What the paperwork actually looks like.
Real (redacted) examples of the documents we work with so nothing feels mysterious.
Surplus notice from clerk
Sample, names & case numbers removed
Motion for surplus disbursement
Sample, names & case numbers removed
Court order of release
Sample, names & case numbers removed
County-specific notes
Procedures and timelines vary by county. A few we work with most often:
[County A], FL
Surplus held by Clerk of Court. Typical disbursement window: 60 days after motion.
Excess proceeds held by County Treasurer. Heirs require letters of administration.
[County D], OH
Clerk of Courts releases via judgment entry. Competing-claims process common.
These notes are general summaries, not legal advice. Specific rules apply to specific cases, we'll walk through your county's exact process when you call.
Ready to find out where your case stands?
Free, two-minute verification. No obligation, no upsell.
