ASSET RECOVERY
Attorney Chris Shaffer – Investigation Meets Legal Insight
With over 25 years in public service, I bring a unique blend of law enforcement, administrative leadership, and legal training to the field of asset recovery. I served as a police officer for 15 years, followed by 10 years as City Manager for the City of Lawrenceburg. Since 2008, I’ve been a licensed attorney.
Each of these roles has sharpened my ability to identify not only where assets may be located, but also who may be entitled to claim them. From forgotten financial accounts and insurance proceeds to overlooked refunds and corporate entitlements, I combine investigative instinct with legal know-how to track, document, and—where appropriate—pursue claims on behalf of individuals, businesses, charitable organizations, and public entities.
Why My Approach is Different
Asset recovery is not just about searching databases. It’s about knowing how to read between the lines—how to spot ownership trails, verify entitlement, and understand the legal steps required to recover what may be rightfully yours. My work draws on:
• Specialized databases and legal research tools not available to the general public
• Investigative training developed over a decade and a half in law enforcement
• Government operations knowledge acquired as a city administrator
• Courtroom and procedural experience as a practicing attorney
Together, these skills enable me to locate not only the assets themselves, but also the people or entities with potential claims—even in complex or long-dormant matters.
The Three-Phase Process
My work follows a structured approach designed to move from discovery to recovery with clarity and focus.
1. Identify
Using a combination of technology, proprietary tools, and investigative experience, I search for assets that may include:
• Dormant bank or investment accounts
• Unpaid or misdirected insurance benefits
• Corporate or shareholder entitlements
• Government refunds or reimbursements
• Miscellaneous assets lost through mergers, estate closures, or outdated contact information
This process often includes tracking down individuals or heirs who may be unaware of potential claims, as well as identifying the source or origin of the property in question.
2. Document
Once an asset is located, I build the evidentiary foundation necessary to support a claim. This may include:
• Legal and financial documentation
• Ownership verification
• Affidavits, certifications, or supporting records
• Genealogical or organizational histories
Proper documentation is often what separates successful recovery efforts from those that are denied or delayed.
3. Claim
When legal filings are necessary, I may be able to represent clients through the claims process. While most recovery efforts are non-confrontational, they frequently require navigating courts or administrative systems to formally claim property.
As a licensed attorney, I can handle:
• Petitions and filings to assert ownership
• Communication with institutions or corporate custodians
• Court representation if needed to finalize the claim
Who May Benefit
I may be able to assist:
• Individuals who believe they or a relative may be owed forgotten funds
• Businesses or nonprofits sorting out old records or legacy assets
• Public agencies reconciling financial matters
• Heirs or beneficiaries unaware of long-lost claims
A Process Grounded in Professional Experience
This work is more than form-filling or online searching. It’s a combination of:
• Legal access to records and databases
• Old-fashioned investigative research
• Training and instincts honed over decades in public service
• A commitment to accuracy, privacy, and professionalism
If you believe there may be unclaimed or misdirected property connected to you, your business, or an estate you’re managing, I may be able to help. Let’s discuss your situation and determine the next steps.