Frequently asked questions.

When a home is sold at foreclosure auction for more than what was owed on the mortgage, the difference is called surplus funds. By law, that money belongs to the former homeowner (or their heirs) — not the bank, not the buyer, and not the government.

Far more common than most people realize. Industry estimates put the national pool at over $1.4 billion in unclaimed surplus funds sitting with county courts and state treasuries.

The county clerk of court (in most states) or the state treasury (in a few) holds the surplus until the rightful owner files a claim. It sits there earning no interest for the owner.

It depends on the state. Some states have 2–5 year filing windows; others hold funds indefinitely. Deadlines can be strict — this is why timing matters.

Fill out the 60-second eligibility form. We research your specific case and confirm within one business day whether there's money to claim.

Often, no. Many states allow claims for several years after the sale. Tell us your timeline and we'll check the specific deadline in your county.

Yes. If the original owner has passed away, surplus funds pass to heirs. We handle the probate side alongside the claim — no separate attorney required.

Usually you still have a claim. Every case is different, which is why we research each one before you commit to anything.

Multiple rightful claimants can share a surplus. We work through the documentation to make sure everyone entitled receives their portion.

Short sales don't typically generate surplus funds because the sale price is by definition less than what's owed. Foreclosure auctions are different — that's where surpluses happen.

We research your case, verify the surplus amount with the court, prepare all claim documents, file them through our licensed attorney, and monitor the case until funds are released to you.

No. Our attorney handles all court filings and communications on your behalf. You sign the documents we prepare — that's it.

Usually: ID, proof of prior ownership, and (if applicable) documentation of heirship or divorce. We tell you exactly what's needed once we review your case.

Phone, email, and text — whichever you prefer. Our office phone is (347) 680-9647, and a human being answers.

Nothing. Zero. If you pay anyone upfront for surplus recovery, walk away — that's a red flag. We only get paid when you do.

A small percentage of what we recover, deducted from the funds when the court releases them. We disclose the exact percentage in writing before you sign anything.

No. No filing fees, no court fees, no attorney fees passed to you. Our fee is the only fee, and it's disclosed in writing.

Typical range is 30–120 days from when we file the claim. Some states are faster, some slower. Court backlogs and case specifics determine exact timing.

Heirship disputes, incomplete county records, court staffing, and competing claimants are the most common delays. We flag any of these early so you know what to expect.

Yes. We provide status updates at each milestone — filed, scheduled, approved, funded. You'll always know where your claim stands.

No — but we understand why you're asking. Surplus funds recovery attracts a lot of bad actors. Patriot Pathway was founded by a retired NYPD detective and operates with a licensed attorney reviewing every filing. Our NJ office address is 525 Rt. 73 N., Ste 104, Marlton, NJ 08053.

Yes, you can. The process is public. But the paperwork, deadlines, and court procedures trip most people up — and one filing error can delay or reject your claim. We exist for people who want it handled right, the first time.

Counties and states don't advertise unclaimed surplus funds. Most people only find out through a recovery firm, a public records search, or when a relative's estate is being settled.

Anthony Antonini, licensed in New Jersey. He reviews and supervises Patriot Pathway surplus funds claims before filing.

Likely yes. Surplus funds pass to heirs under state intestacy law or under the deceased's will. We handle the probate filings required to establish heirship alongside the surplus claim.

State law determines the split. Often it's equal shares among children or per the will. We coordinate with all known heirs so everyone entitled receives their portion.

No. Our attorney handles probate work related to the surplus claim. You don't need to hire a second attorney.

We currently serve 16 states: Florida, Ohio, Indiana, Oklahoma, Delaware, Louisiana, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Kentucky, South Carolina, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Hawaii, Kansas, and Illinois. More states are being added — call us if yours isn't listed.

Our programmatic coverage for each county is at different stages. Live states have full county-level case research ready. Contact-us states work the same way — you just talk to our team directly first.

Yes. What matters is where the property was foreclosed, not where you live now. We handle all communication remotely.