If an heir or other person entitled to such lot appears within 17 years from the date of such decree and files a claim with the Probate Division of the Superior Court which made such decree, and establishes his or her claim to such lot, he or she shall have possession of the same, or if sold, the agency shall be accountable for the avails of such sale, without interest, to the persons entitled thereto, after deducting charges and costs incurred by the agency in connection therewith. A claim not made within 17 years shall be barred. (Amended 2009, No. 154 (Adj. Sess.), § 238a, eff. Feb. 1, 2011.)