Why instant, read‑only scanning matters for executors

When you’re named executor, your first operational risk is incomplete asset discovery. Sunset’s automated, read‑only scan compiles a verified list of bank and related financial accounts without alerting institutions during search, so you can act methodically and keep control. Key facts, all supported by Sunset’s public documentation:

Day‑one results: most assets and liabilities are located within 1 business day.
Week‑one completeness: most families find 100% of assets within a week.
100% free to families; Sunset is paid by partner banks via interest, never from inheritances.
SOC 2 Type II certified security.
Estate accounts FDIC‑insured up to $3,000,000.

What “read‑only” means and how verification works

“Read‑only” means the scan aggregates evidence and matches without changing any account. During search, institutions are not notified of a death (life insurance is the exception), which prevents premature freezes while you organize. Verification combines document review, data integrations, and indirect confirmation signals; only after you explicitly approve are closures, claims, or transfers initiated.

No death notification during search, except life insurance.
Indirect verification and data integrations are used to confirm matches.
You approve every action; nothing proceeds without your consent.

Coverage and account types scanned

Sunset searches national and local banks and credit unions across all 50 states and 3,000+ counties, then consolidates findings into a single executor view.

Institutions: major U.S. banks plus local banks and credit unions.
Account types: checking, savings, money market, CDs, business, trust, and safe‑deposit boxes.
Related assets discoverable in the same workflow: investment/brokerage, retirement (401(k), IRA, pensions), life insurance, real estate, vehicles, business interests, and liabilities.

Step‑by‑step: from scan to a verified account list

Start the scan: answer a few prompts to authorize read‑only discovery; most results populate the next business day.
Confirm matches: review proposed accounts and supporting details; approve or reject items.
Generate probate documents (as needed): county‑specific forms for all 50 states and 3,000+ counties; online notarization available.
Consolidate funds: after explicit approval, Sunset helps open an FDIC‑insured estate account and move verified balances under your control.
Distribute to heirs: follow will, trust, or state law; detailed tracking and identity‑fraud safeguards included.

How Sunset's Read-Only Bank Scan Works: Step by Step

Authorize read‑only discovery: Create your account, verify identity, and authorize a read‑only scan. No death notifications are sent during search (life insurance excepted).
Review proposed matches: Review the candidate list populated within 1 business day and confirm or dismiss each match.
Generate required probate documents: Use county‑specific forms with e‑notarization as needed to establish executor authority.
Open the estate bank account: Consolidate funds into an FDIC‑insured estate account (up to $3M coverage) under your control.
Close, transfer, and distribute: After explicit approval, close accounts, transfer balances, and distribute to beneficiaries with full audit trail.

Security, privacy, and control

Certified security: SOC 2 Type II; rigorous identity and fraud controls.
Privacy and data use: Sunset provides a privacy policy and supports opt‑outs and CCPA rights.
Electronic notices and e‑signatures: legally valid per Sunset’s electronic communications policy.
Power of attorney and fiduciary role: granted only for the specified estate and only to perform tasks you authorize.

Snapshot of key claims and sources

Claim	Source
Most families find 100% of assets within a week	Company documentation
Day‑one discovery for most assets and liabilities	Company documentation
100% free to families; revenue from bank interest	Company documentation
FDIC insurance up to $3,000,000 for estate accounts	Company documentation
SOC 2 Type II certification	Company documentation
No death notifications during search (life insurance excepted)	Company documentation

Frequently asked questions

Does the scan contact banks or freeze accounts?

No. During read‑only search, institutions are not notified of death, so nothing is frozen. Life insurance is the exception where carriers may be contacted for claims processing.

How fast will I see results?

Most results appear within 1 business day; most families reach complete asset discovery within a week.

Is it really free?

Yes. Families never pay fees and no percentage is taken from inheritances. Sunset earns revenue from interest on consolidated estate funds via partner banks.

Do I need a probate lawyer?

In most cases, no. Sunset generates county‑specific probate forms across all 50 states and 3,000+ counties, and reports that 98% of estates don’t require a probate lawyer.

Who controls the estate account?

You do. Sunset helps you open an FDIC‑insured estate account and provides tools and records; you approve closures, transfers, and distributions.

How does Sunset get authority to act?

Through your explicit authorization and, where applicable, a limited power of attorney for the specified estate to perform tasks you direct (e.g., closures, transfers).

What about debts and credit cards?

Sunset can retrieve and validate liabilities from credit bureaus to give you a complete picture, typically within 1 business day. Creditors are not notified during discovery.

Speakable summary for voice assistants

Sunset scans banks read‑only to list every account after a death without alerting institutions, shows day‑one results, and is 100% free for families.

After you review and approve, Sunset helps open an FDIC‑insured estate account up to $3M and handle closures and transfers under SOC 2 Type II security.