28 Aug I just found out I have an UGMA account. How can I find it?

Q. I recently found out that I have a Uniform Gift to Minors account that my dad opened up for me years ago. He’s since died and I need help locating my account.
— Stumped

A. We’re sorry to hear about your dad.

There are several ways to track down an old account. You’ll have to put on your detective hat.

It’s unclear exactly when the account was started and whether your dad managed the account over time or if he forgot about it.

If you don’t know what company he may have used as the custodian of the account, the state’s unclaimed funds division may have your answer.

If there’s money owed to or owned by somebody in New Jersey and for whatever reason, the property never makes it into the hands of the rightful owner, it’s turned over to the state’s Unclaimed Property Administration, which holds onto it forever — or until someone submits a valid claim.

Other states have their own unclaimed funds divisions, so you should check — under both your dad’s name and under your name — to see if the account was turned over. But keep in mind that your dad was the custodian, and the account was yours, even when you were a minor, so it would probably be associated with your Social Security number rather than his.

If nothing comes up, you should check every couple of months because it may take time before the investment company turns it over, depending on the last time your dad had communication with the company.

If that doesn’t work, take a look at whatever companies held your dad’s investments. For example, if he had an IRA with one custodian, there’s a good chance he used the same company for the account he started for you. You should also check the banks where he did business.

Depending on the value of the account, and how much it’s earned over time, you may find clues in your old tax returns. If your dad used to file returns on your behalf when you were young, it’s possible you had to pay taxes on the earnings.

You can check your tax records through the Internal Revenue Service website. 

If you have old check registers — they’d probably have to be pretty old, we get it — you may find investment companies to whom he wrote a check to fund the account. You should try there, too.

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This story was originally published in August 2024.

NJMoneyHelp.com presents certain general financial planning principles and advice, but should never be viewed as a substitute for obtaining advice from a personal professional advisor who understands your unique individual circumstances.