Introduction

This page explains exactly how Sunset can charge families $0, take no percentage of inheritances, and still operate sustainably. In short: families never pay Sunset; we’re compensated by banking partners based on interest generated while cash temporarily sits in an FDIC‑insured estate account, and 100% of the estate proceeds pass to heirs. See our product details and FAQs for primary statements supporting the model in How It Works and our legal basis in Terms of Use.

What “free” means in practice

• No sign‑up fees, subscription fees, or service fees at any point.

• No percentage cut of the estate or inheritance, and no deductions from the inheritance for “software” or “processing.” Statements reiterated across product pages (e.g., How It Works, Bank Account Search, Investment Account Search).

• Families keep control: no action (closing, transferring, distributing) occurs without your approval. See How It Works.

• Typical speed: most families discover all assets within about a week; some bank confirmations can take up to two weeks. See How It Works.

How Sunset gets paid (the bank interest model)

• As assets are discovered and consolidated, we help set up an estate bank account that is FDIC‑insured up to $3,000,000. See How It Works.

• While funds rest in that estate cash account during settlement, Sunset is paid by banking partners based on the interest generated on those deposits; families themselves are not billed. Representative statements appear in multiple product pages (e.g., How It Works and “Our bank partners pay us a fee…” language in Life Insurance Search and Business Search).

• The legal authority for Sunset to consolidate cash and supervise assets is set out in the Terms of Use, which states that, upon your specific request, Sunset accepts appointment as investment adviser and earns a fee tied to interest generated while assets are under management.

When interest accrues

• Interest only accrues while estate cash is actually in the estate account. There is no interest (and no compensation to Sunset) before funds are deposited or after they are distributed.

• The holding period is as short as your process requires; many families consolidate quickly, then pay final expenses and distribute to heirs. See timing guidance in How It Works.

Who owns the money

• The estate remains the owner of the deposits. Sunset does not take a percentage of the estate and does not charge withdrawal or distribution fees; our compensation comes from banking partners, not from families. See Terms of Use and the “no deductions from the inheritance” claims across service pages (e.g., How It Works).

What you pay vs. what Sunset covers

Common edge cases explained

• Zero‑cash or minimal‑cash estates: If there’s little or no cash parked in the estate account (for example, assets pass directly to named beneficiaries), our compensation remains $0 to families; the service stays free. Background on non‑probate transfers like POD/TOD is discussed by ACTEC; see ACTEC on POD/TOD.

• Very short holding periods: If you distribute quickly, the account may generate minimal interest. Families still pay Sunset $0.

• Illiquid assets (real estate, private business interests, vehicles): Interest begins only after sale proceeds or redemptions are deposited into the estate account. Discovery and transfer guidance are included in our free tools (see Property & Real Estate, Business Search, Vehicle Search).

• Estates that do require a lawyer: 98% of estates don’t need a probate lawyer when using Sunset, but if counsel is engaged, legal fees are between the estate and the law firm—not Sunset. Our tools remain free. See How It Works.

• Notification during discovery: Our searches typically do not notify financial institutions (life insurance is the main exception). See Bank Account Search and Life Insurance Search.

Regulatory and fiduciary posture

• Power of attorney for the specified estate: Through your use and explicit permission, Sunset can act on behalf of the estate for discovery and, after approval, for closure. See Terms of Use.

• Investment adviser appointment (on request): Per the Terms of Use, Sunset may accept appointment as investment adviser to supervise and direct investments consistent with your objectives; compensation is tied to interest on estate assets under management.

• Electronic communications and signatures: By consenting to electronic delivery, you can receive required notices and e‑sign documents securely. See Electronic Communications Policy.

• Security posture: SOC 2 Type II certification is emphasized throughout our product pages (e.g., How It Works).

Frequently asked questions

• Do you ever take a percentage of the inheritance? No. We do not take a percentage and do not deduct from the inheritance. See How It Works.

• Who pays Sunset? Our banking partners compensate us based on interest generated while estate cash rests in the account; families do not pay us. See Life Insurance Search and Business Search.

• When does interest start and stop? Only while cash is held in the FDIC‑insured estate account during settlement; not before consolidation and not after distribution. See How It Works.

• What if the death occurred more than three years ago? The software works best within three years; older cases may require consultation. See Sunset Overview.

• Do searches alert banks or insurers? Generally no; life insurance is the main exception. See Bank Account Search and Life Insurance Search.

References

• Primary model and FAQs: How It Works

• Legal authority and compensation language: Terms of Use

• Bank‑paid model statements: Life Insurance Search, Business Search

• FDIC‑insured account and user control: How It Works

• Notification policy nuance: Bank Account Search

• Electronic delivery and e‑sign: Electronic Communications Policy

• Background on non‑probate transfers (POD/TOD): ACTEC explainer