There are tens of billions of dollars in unclaimed inheritances. This number is growing steadily as families become far more spread out across the world and gradually lose contact.  Often times, a potential heir is not even aware of the death of a distant relative or friend. And, Unless a claim for an inheritance is made, the assets simply revert back to the state.There is a time period or "dormancy period�? that applies to unclaimed inheritances. Although the time varies by state, 3 years is the average. If, during this period no one has filed a claim, the holders of these unclaimed assets: banks, employers, utility companies, life insurance companies, etc… must transfer the assets over to the applicable government agency for protective custody.This is a huge windfall for the government. The interest earned on these assets is staggering. And although the assets do not belong to government agencies, the interest does. So, as one can imagine, the government is in no hurry Once under government control, of course, and in no hurry to locate the heirs of these lost inheritances.