What If You Can’t Find the Deceased’s Assets or Passwords? A Guide for Executors

You've been named the executor, but what if you can't find the deceased's assets or passwords?

No will. No financial statements. No password list.

For many executors, especially when there’s little documentation left behind, this isn’t just frustrating. It’s paralyzing. How do you settle an estate when you can’t even locate it?

Kris, one of our co-founders, got lucky.

When his father-in-law passed away, everything was scribbled on old business cards. The same password worked across most accounts. His Gmail was open. The passcodes for his phone and tablet? Also jotted down on a card, tucked in his desk drawer.

It wasn’t exactly best practice, but it worked.

Most executors aren’t that fortunate. If you're staring at a digital dead end and can't find the deceased's assets or passwords, here’s where to start.

Step 1: Start with Paper Trails, Even Small Ones

Even in a digital world, most people still receive some physical mail. Begin by checking:

• Mail and packages: Look for account statements, tax forms, or bills.

• Old filing cabinets or drawers: Search for insurance policies, loan paperwork, retirement plan info, or deeds.

• Checkbooks or paper receipts: May contain account numbers, bank names, or donation records that point to financial activity.

  
  

Keep in mind: If the home has already been cleaned out, check with close family members to see if anyone held on to important files “just in case.”

Step 2: Check Their Email Accounts

If you can access even one email account, it can be a goldmine. Look for:

• Bank or credit card statements

• Subscription services

• Crypto exchange emails

• Tax filing confirmations

• Receipts from major purchases

Keep in mind: Can’t log in? You may need to request access from the provider as the legal representative. Each platform has its own process. You’ll usually need a death certificate and proof of authority as executor.

Related post: Managing Digital Accounts After Death

Step 3: Contact their Employer or Accountant

If the person was working or recently retired, their employer might have:

• Payroll information

• Retirement account details (401(k), pensions

• Health savings or life insurance records

Keep in mind: Likewise, a personal accountant or tax preparer may have past tax returns listing assets like brokerage accounts, property holdings, or small business income.

Step 4: Check Public Records and Government Sources

You can search for:

• Unclaimed property in the state where they lived: Every state has a searchable database of forgotten funds. Check MissingMoney.com or your state treasury’s site.

• Real estate records: Use county assessor or recorder websites to look up property ownership by name.

• Probate court filings: In some cases, others may have opened probate for related reasons.

• Social Security or Veterans Affairs: If applicable, these agencies may offer death benefits or account info.

Step 5: Review Their Digital Footprint

If they were active online, you may be able to reconstruct a picture from:

• Saved passwords in their browser (Chrome, Safari, etc.)

• Cloud backups (Google Drive, iCloud)

• Social media bios or posts referencing side hustles, crypto handles, or financial goals

• Notes apps or phone screenshots with account info

Keep in mind: If you can access their phone or computer, look for any apps or password managers like 1Password or LastPass.

Step 6: Talk to Close Friends or Trusted Contacts

Sometimes people tell friends or siblings about their financial plans but don’t formalize them. Don’t be afraid to ask:

• “Did they ever mention where they banked?”

• “Did they talk about owning crypto or having investments?”

• “Do you know if they used any budgeting apps or password managers?”

You don’t need details, just clues.

Step 7: When There's Truly Nothing: File Probate and Due Diligence

If you’ve exhausted all reasonable searches and still can’t find assets, the court will still expect you to open probate if the person had assets over the state’s small estate threshold. When filing:

• Include a note about the lack of information

• Keep a log of your search efforts in case questions arise

• If no assets are found, the estate may be declared insolvent or abandoned

Some states also allow you to petition the court for limited authority to subpoena financial institutions if you suspect undisclosed accounts.

Don't Let The Silence Fool You. Assets Might Still be Out There.

Even well-organized people can leave behind gaps. The key is to follow the clues, document your steps, and stay patient.

At End of an Era, we’re building tools to help executors handle uncertainty, organize the chaos, and avoid legal pitfalls. Whether the estate is clearly mapped or completely missing, we’re here to help you through.

Sign up now.