Heirs, Justice, and the Unclaimed Legacy

 Heirs, Justice, and the Unclaimed Legacy: What Excess Funds Really Mean. By Jonah Wilson | National Overages Finders Alliance

In Texas and across the country, thousands of properties are auctioned off each year in tax foreclosure sales. But what happens after the sale rarely makes the headlines: in many cases, there’s money left over—and far too often, the rightful heirs never see a dime of it.

That money, known as excess proceeds, doesn’t belong to the county or the court. It belongs to the people—the family that lost the property. Under Texas Tax Code §34.04, those funds are held in trust for the prior owner or their legal heirs. But unless someone steps forward to claim them—within the rules and timelines of the law—that inheritance often disappears into bureaucracy.

This is not just a paperwork issue. It’s a question of justice and legacy.

Why Heirs Are Often Left Out

Most heirs aren’t even notified these funds exist.

Others receive generic letters that sound like scams or come from people who don’t explain the legal framework. Some give up halfway through the process—overwhelmed by court documents, county requirements, or questions they don’t have time to answer.

But for those who persist, or who connect with a qualified advocate, this process can reclaim more than funds—it restores something personal. An acknowledgment that their family’s name, effort, and history still matter.

Our Work Is Not Just About Money

At NOFA, we help heirs recover what’s lawfully theirs—but we also understand what these claims represent. For many, it’s not just about cash. It’s about dignity. It’s about correcting the erasure that often follows foreclosure, illness, or generational transition.

We don’t just chase files—we defend legacies.

If you’re an heir, or someone who believes your family has been left behind in this process, we invite you to learn more. What was lost doesn’t have to stay gone. And what was set aside can still be reclaimed. In the end, excess proceeds aren’t just about numbers—they’re about honoring what’s been built, paid for, and sacrificed over generations. For heirs, the opportunity to claim these funds is more than a transaction; it’s a way to bring closure, restore balance, and ensure your family’s story is not buried under red tape.

No one should have to navigate this alone. And no rightful heir should miss out on what the law provides because the process feels too distant, too complicated, or too overwhelming. If you are reading this as an heir, know this: your claim is legitimate, your time is valuable, and your family’s legacy still matters.

Our mission is to help you secure what belongs to you—with dignity, professionalism, and respect every step of the way.