Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed Delaware attorney for guidance tailored to your situation.
Detailed Answer
When you need to locate and identify assets held across multiple Delaware counties—or even across state lines—follow a systematic approach. Below is a step-by-step guide under Delaware law:
1. Real Property Records
Under Delaware Code Title 25, Chapter 29 (25 Del. C. § 2801 et seq.), each county maintains deeds, mortgages and liens. Search by owner name or parcel ID at:
- New Castle County Recorder of Deeds: nccde.org/Recorder-of-Deeds
- Kent County Recorder of Deeds: kentcountyde.gov/recorder-of-deeds
- Sussex County Recorder of Deeds: sussexcountyde.gov/recorder-deeds
2. Personal Property & UCC Filings
To find fixtures, equipment, inventory or other collateral, check Uniform Commercial Code filings maintained by the Delaware Division of Corporations. Relevant law appears in 6 Del. C. Chapter 9. Use the online search portal:
- Delaware UCC Search: corp.delaware.gov/ucc/
3. Vehicles and Titles
Vehicle titles and registrations reside with the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Under 21 Del. C. § 4701 et seq., you can request title history by VIN or registered owner. Visit:
- DMV Records Request: https://www.dmv.de.gov
4. Intangible Assets & Unclaimed Property
Banks, brokerage firms and corporations report unclaimed dividends, accounts and refunds to the Delaware Unclaimed Property Program. See 12 Del. C. Chapter 11. Search the state’s database:
- Unclaimed Property Search: treasury.delaware.gov/unclaimed-property
5. Multi-State and Professional Resources
If assets lie outside Delaware, replicate these steps in each relevant jurisdiction. Many states offer online deed and UCC searches. For complex or hidden assets—such as offshore accounts or closely held businesses—consider hiring a forensic accountant or private investigator. They can issue subpoenas, serve third-party subpoenas, and coordinate discovery across state lines.
Helpful Hints
- Verify name variations and business d/b/a names to catch all records.
- Gather parcel IDs, VINs or account numbers to narrow searches.
- Pay small filing fees promptly—many portals will not display unfiled documents.
- Use national aggregator services for UCC and lien searches when assets span many states.
- Document all findings in a centralized spreadsheet with links and filing dates.
- Consult professionals for subpoenas or attorney-level discovery if records are sealed or incomplete.