FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Surplus funds, also called excess proceeds or overage, are the remaining funds when a property is sold at a tax deed or foreclosure sale and the sale price exceeds all legal obligations owed on the property (such as mortgage debt, taxes, and liens). These funds are typically held by a county, court, or other authority until properly claimed.

No. Atlantic Surplus Recovery is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice or representation. ASR identifies potential surplus-fund matters using publicly available records, screens those matters for jurisdictional and compliance criteria, and refers qualifying opportunities to independent, licensed attorneys for legal evaluation and representation decisions.

You may request a free informational review using the form. ASR uses publicly available property and court data to identify potential surplus funds and assess whether a matter may merit further evaluation. If a matter appears to meet basic criteria, it may be referred to a licensed attorney, who determines whether and how to proceed under applicable law and local procedures.

Typically, there is no upfront payment to request an informational review. Any fee or compensation arrangement with an attorney — if representation is pursued — is disclosed before any agreement is signed and is determined by the attorney in accordance with applicable rules.

Certain matters require legal authority before surplus funds can be released. For example, if the recorded owner is deceased, if heirs or multiple potential claimants are involved, or if local procedures require court supervision (such as probate), a licensed attorney may need to obtain legal authority or file documents with a court before funds can be accessed.

Timelines vary widely by jurisdiction, county procedures, and whether court involvement is required. Some matters progress faster when ownership and statutory conditions are straightforward, while others take longer due to legal authority, documentation requirements, or probate. ASR cannot guarantee any specific timeline or outcome.

The parties entitled to claim surplus funds depend on the county’s rules, the applicable statutes, the priority of liens, and who holds legal authority. Former owners of record, estates, heirs, and certain lienholders may have rights in specific circumstances. Only a licensed attorney can evaluate entitlement under governing law.

Yes. Any information you provide is used solely to review your request and evaluate whether a matter may qualify for further legal evaluation. ASR collects only limited contact and property details necessary for the informational review. Personal information is not shared with third parties except as required to coordinate with an attorney at your request or as required by law, and is handled in accordance with applicable privacy standards.

Participation in a review is voluntary. If, after the informational review, you choose not to pursue legal representation or further action, no obligation or ongoing requirement applies.