Can I cash a check made out to my father?

Question

I recently received a check from the builder who built my house for taxes they were responsible for, and it's in my father's name since he is on the loan also. I wanted to know can I cash the check since he said we could have the money and he doesn't live in the same state.

Answer 1

I assume that you don't have a joint account with your father. Here's some choices:

1) If your father's bank has a branch in your state, you can put "for deposit only" on the back where he would endorse the check and deposit the check to his account. Then your father could send you a check for the same amount.

2) You could ask the builder to cancel the check and re-issue a check made out to "(your name) or (your father's name)" - it's important that it read "or" and not "and".

3) Send the check to your father, have him cash it and write you a check for the same amount.

I wouldn't recommend trying to cash an endorsed check made out to someone else, even if it is your father. Good luck.

Answer 2

No. You can either have him send you a power of attorney letter stating that you can cash the check, or you can have the builder issue you a new one. Sending the check back and forth may also work, but it's more steps and more risk than him sending you a letter. Even better, send it to him, have him cash it, and then he can deposit it into your bank account for you at the local branch of your bank.

Answer 3

With your father's permission, you can endorse his name to the check (sign it for him) and deposit it in the bank. With his permission, its not forgery.

Answer 4

I would say you have to send it to him (registered mail) and he has to endorse it. Then he would mail it back (registered) and you would sign and deposit it. Alternatively, and much easier, have someone fake his endorsement. Who will complain?