It varies. Simple cases can be resolved in a few months. More complex estates involving multiple heirs, contested claims, or courts with heavy dockets can take 12 to 24 months or longer. Since we don’t get paid until the estate distributes, we have every incentive to move your case as efficiently as possible.

In most cases, all we need is a government-issued photo ID and documents that establish your relationship to the deceased — birth certificates, marriage records, or similar vital records. We’ll tell you exactly what’s needed for your specific situation. The heavy lifting is on our end.

We get to work. AEI handles the genealogical research, prepares the legal documentation, files with the appropriate courts or agencies, and manages the case through to distribution. We keep you informed as things progress, and we’re available by phone or email if you have questions at any point.

The assets we’ve identified will remain in government accounts. Over time, most states have the legal right to absorb unclaimed funds permanently. Deadlines vary by jurisdiction, but the general rule is simple: the longer you wait, the harder it becomes to recover what’s yours. In some cases, the opportunity is lost entirely