How to Find a Person’s Assets

An asset search helps you find a list of all the assets owned by a person, both those they have disclosed and those they have not. People often do these searches during legal disputes, like divorces or estate claims, and for background checks in business partnerships. 

In the past, these searches were challenging and time-consuming. With access to public records, financial documents, and legal filings, it is much easier and quicker to conduct an asset check. This article explains how to carry out an asset search.

Common Types of Assets to Look For

Many people choose not to disclose their assets to have an advantage during financial decisions, to avoid losing their properties, or to limit spousal or child support obligations. The next time you are dealing with someone during a legal dispute or as a potential business partner, consider that the chance that they may not disclose their entire assets is very high. As such, including asset checks during a legal or financial investigation is now an effective way to protect yourself from potential liabilities. Discussed below are common types of assets to look for during a financial investigation:

Real Estate and Property Holdings

These include all the real estate owned by an individual as well as rights, interests, and benefits connected to the ownership of this estate. A search for real estate and property holdings is essential during legal disputes involving estate claims. It may also help individuals value a deceased person's net worth.

Bank Accounts and Financial Assets

It is a no-brainer to look up individuals' bank accounts and other financial assets during a financial investigation, especially if the person is deceased. These checks help you find a person's financial history, including lost, dormant, or active accounts. You can also see if the person owns stocks, bank deposits, or equity instruments and has unpaid loans. Keep in mind that details like account balances may not be publicly available.

Business Ownership and Investments

During financial investigations, people often look for business ownership and investment records. These records include things like partnership agreements, corporate filings, stock ownership, and investment portfolios. 

Analyzing this information helps investigators create a complete list of the business and investment assets owned by an individual. This can show important financial interests and possible sources of income. Knowing the extent and nature of these assets is key to understanding an individual’s overall financial situation and finding any hidden wealth.

Vehicles, Boats, and Luxury Assets

The types and amounts of luxury goods a person owns can help estimate their net worth. People often check if items like cars, boats, and private jets are registered in someone's name. In legal disputes, this information can help the other party decide how much they want for a settlement or child support in a divorce.

Inheritance and Estate Assets

An inheritance is made up of all the assets a person leaves to their loved ones when they die. To find out how much these assets are worth, people conduct an inheritance and estate assets check. This process helps determine the individual's current net worth.

Methods for Finding a Person’s Assets

Asset searches, like many online checks, are often conducted for educational and research purposes. However, people commonly perform these searches for several practical reasons, including legal cases, divorce settlements, estate planning, and financial investigations. Here are some effective methods for locating a person's assets:

Searching Public Records

Most states allow residents to search, inspect, and copy public records in the United States. Public records include but are not limited to vital records, court records, arrest records, property records, professional licenses, and public employee information. Some of these records contain information about an individual's assets. By searching one or more public records, you can list their assets. You can request access to these records remotely via online databases and in person at appropriate public agencies.

Checking Property Ownership Records

In the United States, property records are considered public and are maintained at the county level. By checking property records, you can determine whether an individual is the legal owner of a plot. You may visit your county assessor's website to check a property record. This website typically has a search tool that allows users to view ownership information of all the plots of land in the area. You can check a person's property ownership records by providing the address or party's name.

Reviewing Business and Corporate Filings

Most businesses must register with the Secretary of State in their location of operation. Members of the public can look up business filings on the Secretary of State's websites. This will reveal the registered owners of the business as well as managers and other important officials.

Searching Court Records and Bankruptcy Filings

Courts are repositories for individual records, including assets and liabilities. In cases like bankruptcy, people must list all their assets and debts, which become part of the court's records. You can view these records by searching the court's online records database or visiting the clerk's office in person. However, if someone involved has filed a motion to seal the documents and the court approves the motion, you may be unable to access them.

Checking Vehicle and Boat Registrations

In the United States, you must register your vehicles and boats. Once you register, you will receive a unique registration number for your vehicle or boat. To find out who owns a vehicle or boat, simply enter its registration number in the search field on the website of the government agency that handles registrations.

Reviewing Financial Disclosures and SEC Filings

Financial disclosures are statements that show a person’s or business’s earnings, profits, and other assets. These are provided to the government, investors, or banks. SEC filings are forms that companies submit to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to share their business and financial information. By reviewing these documents, you can find out who owns what and for how long.

Investigating Tax Records and Liens

A tax lien is a legal claim by the government against a property due to unpaid taxes. When you look into a tax lien, you can find information about the property owner and their tax payment history.

Using Online People Search Tools

You can find a person's assets using online people search tools. These platforms provide comprehensive information about an individual, including a list of assets they own. Note that some online search tools charge a nominal fee for this service.

Reviewing Probate and Estate Records

Probate records contain key information about a person’s property, debts, and financial accounts. To access these records, go to the local probate court that handled the case for the deceased person. Be sure to find the correct court, as this can vary by location. 

Many courts also allow you to search for records online through their official websites. These sites may have databases with case files and documents related to the estate. To make your search easier, gather important details like the person's full name and date of death.

Checking UCC Filings for Loans and Collateral

UCC filings typically reveal which properties an individual or business has used as collateral in securing a loan. While this helps creditors avoid getting scammed by unscrupulous individuals who use the same property to secure multiple loans, it also reveals the ownership information of the specific property.

Challenges in Finding a Person's Assets

While it has become easier to conduct asset searches from the comfort of your home, several challenges in asset search may prevent you from getting immediate results. Some of these challenges include:

• Privacy laws: These restrict the disclosure of specific information to members of the public. If an individual's assets or financial records are protected under such law, you cannot access, inspect, or copy the record. You may need a court order to access these records.
• Hidden assets: Not disclosing one's assets or acting as an angel investor are ways individuals ensure that they have no link with a business they own. Finding a link between the person and the company in these circumstances is usually tricky. It may require using multiple methods simultaneously to find a person's assets.
• Offshore account: Individuals operate offshore accounts to evade tax payments or ensure their business remains hidden. In any case, a company's use of offshore accounts makes it difficult to determine the actual owner of a property or business.

FAQ About Asset Searches

Discussed below are frequently asked questions about asset searches in the United States:

Can I Find a Person's Assets for Free?

Yes, multiple online tools and public records databases allow you to conduct an assets search for free.

Are Asset Searches Legal?

Asset searches are legal as long as they are conducted for legitimate purposes and the search methods are not unlawful.

Can You Find Someone's Bank Account and Investment?

Yes, you can find someone's bank accounts and investments. However, most financial records are considered confidential information and are exempt from public disclosure. To access such records, you may need a court order.

How Do Investigators Find Hidden Assets?

Private investigators use different methods to find hidden assets. They check public records, search bank accounts, track offshore accounts, and verify property ownership. They also gather information about potential business owners by using their industry connections.

How Long Does an Asset Search Take?

Routine assets search takes 24 hours to one week to complete. However, if a hidden asset is involved, expect complete search results within 30 to 50 days.