1
We Identify→2
We Prepare→3
We Coordinate→4
You Receive🔍
Step 01
We Identify Your Claim
⏱1–3 business days
We research county public records to confirm that surplus funds from your foreclosure or tax sale are still unclaimed and legally available to you.
1
Records Search
We review the official foreclosure or tax sale records from the county clerk's office for your former property, verifying the sale amount and any outstanding liens.
2
Surplus Verification
We calculate the difference between the sale price and what was owed, confirming that a surplus exists and is being held by the county.
3
Eligibility Confirmation
We verify that the funds have not already been claimed, that the statute of limitations has not passed, and that you are the rightful claimant.
4
Client Contact
We reach out to you directly to present our findings, explain the opportunity, and outline the next steps with no obligation to proceed.
YOUR ROLE
Nothing. We do all the research.
GOOD TO KNOW
In most states, surplus funds are held by the county clerk for a limited period — typically 1 to 2 years — before being remitted to the state. Acting promptly protects your claim regardless of which county the property was in.
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Step 02
We Prepare and File Your Claim
⏱5–10 business days
Our team prepares your complete claim package — every required form, supporting document, and legal filing — and submits it to the county on your behalf.
1
Agreement Signed
You sign our Surplus Funds Recovery Agreement electronically through your secure client portal. No office visit required.
2
Document Collection
We collect the required supporting documents: your government-issued ID, proof of ownership, and any available foreclosure records.
3
Claim Package Preparation
Our team prepares the official county claim form, supporting affidavits, and any required court motions — tailored to your specific county's requirements.
4
Formal Filing
Your claim is filed with the county clerk or circuit court. We track confirmation of receipt and follow up until the filing is officially logged.
YOUR ROLE
Sign the agreement and provide your ID. We handle the rest.
GOOD TO KNOW
Some counties require original signatures or notarized documents. We coordinate everything so you never have to figure out what the county needs.
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Step 03
We Coordinate the Legal Process
⏱15–45 days
A licensed attorney from our network manages the legal process with the county. Most uncontested claims are processed by the county in 15–30 days. A mobile notary comes to you when signatures are required.
1
Attorney Assignment
We assign a licensed attorney from our network who specializes in surplus funds recovery for your county. Attorney fees are covered by our contingency — no additional cost to you.
2
Mobile Notary Coordination
If in-person notarized signatures are required, we schedule a licensed mobile notary to come directly to your home, workplace, or any convenient location — at no extra charge.
3
County Communication
The attorney communicates directly with the county clerk's office or circuit court, responding to any objections, requests for additional documentation, or scheduling of hearings.
4
Status Updates
Your assigned ESG representative keeps you informed at every milestone — from filing confirmation to court dates to disbursement approval.
YOUR ROLE
Meet the notary (if needed) and be available for updates. We handle all legal coordination.
GOOD TO KNOW
Most claims are resolved without any court appearance by the client. In contested cases, your attorney represents your interests directly.
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Step 04
You Receive Your Funds
⏱5–10 business days after approval
Once the county approves your claim, funds are disbursed through the attorney's trust account. Your share is sent directly to you. Our fee — a percentage of the amount recovered as specified in your service agreement — is deducted only at the time of disbursement.
1
Claim Approved
The county or court issues an order approving the disbursement of surplus funds. We notify you immediately with the exact approved amount.
2
Disbursement to Attorney Trust
The county releases funds to the attorney's trust account — a standard legal requirement that protects all parties during distribution.
3
Your Share Sent to You
The attorney disburses your share directly to you via check or wire transfer. ESG's fee — as specified in your service agreement — is retained from the disbursement at this point. You never write a check.
4
Case Closed
You receive a full accounting statement showing the gross recovery, the fee split, and your net amount. Your case is officially closed.
YOUR ROLE
Provide your payment preference (check or wire) and receive your funds.
GOOD TO KNOW
Recovered surplus funds are generally not taxable income in most cases, as they represent a return of your own equity. Consult your tax advisor for guidance specific to your situation.
What to Prepare
Documents You May Need
Most clients need only one or two items. If you do not have everything, we can often obtain documents through public records on your behalf.
No documents? No problem.
We can retrieve most records from county public filings on your behalf at no extra cost.
01
Government-Issued ID
Driver's license, state ID, or passport. Must be current and match the name on the property record.
02
Proof of Ownership
The original deed, title, or any document showing you owned the foreclosed property. If you don't have this, we can usually obtain it from public records.
03
Foreclosure Documents
Any notices, sale documents, or court paperwork you received. Helpful but not always required — we can often obtain these independently.
04
Heir Documentation (if applicable)
If the original owner is deceased, we will need a death certificate and documentation establishing your right to the estate.
Ready to Start Your Recovery?
Fill out the form on our homepage and we will research your property and respond within 24 hours.