Believe it or not, billions of dollars in unclaimed inheritances sit idle across the U.S. each year. When an estate is left without clear heirs—and no one steps forward—the assets may eventually be turned over to the state through a process called escheatment.

Why does this happen? Sometimes the heirs are hard to find. Other times, people don’t know they’re entitled to anything at all. In the case of distant relatives or when someone dies without a will, it can take years to identify and locate all possible heirs.

States typically hold escheated funds for a period of time before they become part of the state treasury. While heirs can still claim these funds after the fact, it’s a time-consuming and often complicated process.

At Approved Inheritance Cash, we encourage families to take proactive steps: talk openly about wills, document family connections, and work with professionals to avoid this situation. If you know you’re an heir but the estate is tied up in court or legal confusion, we can help you access your rightful share early through a probate advance.

Don’t let your inheritance slip away just because no one stepped up.