Q: What legal actions can I take regarding a safety deposit box cleared by family after father's death?

A: You may have a valid legal claim regarding the safety deposit box despite the time that has passed. Your father's family members potentially committed conversion (taking property belonging to another) and breach of fiduciary duty if your aunt was handling estate matters without proper authorization or disclosure. These actions could constitute fraud, especially if they deliberately concealed the box's existence from court proceedings while acting as informal representatives.

The challenge you face is the statute of limitations, which varies by state but typically ranges from 3-6 years for these types of claims. However, many jurisdictions have "discovery rules" that extend the time limit until you reasonably discovered or should have discovered the wrongdoing. Since you were young when this occurred and apparently weren't informed about the safety deposit box, you might argue the clock started when you learned about it.

Your best course of action is consulting with an estate litigation attorney in your state who can review the specific facts, applicable statutes, and potential remedies. Bring any documentation you have regarding your father's estate, the safety deposit box, and communications with family members. Even if direct legal action proves difficult due to time constraints, an attorney might suggest alternative approaches like a formal demand letter or mediation to recover items or their value from family members.