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.

No. You will never be asked to pay any fee, deposit, or expense out of pocket. AEI covers all costs associated with your recovery — legal fees, filing fees, research expenses, everything. We only get paid when you receive your inheritance.

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