Rights to Property Left In The Possession of Another

[T.J.K.]

Here is my question. I would like either and answer or info on where I should post. Couldn't really find the appropriate forum.

Here it goes.

Is there an amount of time that makes something automatically yours if someone leaves it with you to look over?

I have had some collectibles of someone I know for about 4 years (Value is about $1000). I don't know what to do with them. I am no longer in contact with this person, have no way of getting a hold of them, but they can contact me. They haven't though in over 3 1/2 years.

I was just wondering if there is a legal amount of time that those items become mine.

Thanks for the help in advance.

[aaron]

Most states have laws addressing lost and abandoned property. Laws vary by state.

[T.J.K.]

I live in Oklahoma if it matters. The collectibles in question are some old baseball cards.

I hope this helps.

[aaron]

You can look at Oklahoma's Uniform Unclaimed Property Act here - click on "Title 60. Property" and scroll down to §60-651 - they're a bit of an awkward fit for the situation you describe, but there are applications which should still govern when the property would be deemed abandoned (apparently after five years) and what the holder must do when left holding abandoned property.

There's another issue, of course, which is if the holder denies that the cards are yours, how would you establish your ownership? (Assuming you find the holder.)

[T.J.K.]

You can look at Oklahoma's Uniform Unclaimed Property Act here - click on "Title 60. Property" and scroll down to §60-651 - they're a bit of an awkward fit for the situation you describe, but there are applications which should still govern when the property would be deemed abandoned (apparently after five years) and what the holder must do when left holding abandoned property.

There's another issue, of course, which is if the holder denies that the cards are yours, how would you establish your ownership? (Assuming you find the holder.)

I'm actually the one in possession of the cards at the moment. I think they should be mine after 4 years, but I don't know what the law states. I will look at what you posted and see if I find anything. Thanks.

[aaron]

As previously indicated, they could probably be deemed abandoned after five years - but that doesn't make them yours. There are legal procedures defined for the handling of abandoned property.