Is there a time limit for claiming an inheritance? If unclaimed, does it default to the next heir?

hi although 25 years is a really long time not to claim money, the executor of the will has the duty to contact your brother and make every attempt to distribute the money to your brother. So the question is not really whether your brother has claimed the money, but whether the executor has fulfilled his duties and distributing that money to your brother.also, since you stated there is a will I wonder if a probate was opened or necessary for this is state. If there was a probate then the money would have had to be distributed to your brother for the probate to close.I suggest you speak with the executor of the will.

No you do not unless he dies leaving no heirs other than yourself. He can chose not to claim the money and if he never does, when he dies, if it is still available, his heirs can. If you happen to be one of those heirs at that time, you are free to make a claim.