Oh, that's very convenient. This article suggests alternatives (at very bottom of page) for people like me with no heir. I just checked my small local bank, but they don't mention anything like that service. This article says it takes on average 16 months to settle an estate. It sounds like a really good idea for me to pay someone who does that sort of thing as a normal part of their job. I wouldn't know where to start except just looking down this list... or just go here maybe.