We have her will and all of that - we have the funeral stuff taken care of. But who do we have to notify? DMV....?
I just don't want to get in trouble for some place saying we didn't do the right things or report her death to them....
We are in California.
thanks!
2007-07-12 12:07:06 · 10 answers · asked by doubt133 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Certainly, your mother did well to teach you to research. I hope you and your family can pull together during this time.
Are you having this "Probated"? If you are then go to your mothers local court, and see a probate officer. They usually have check lists that you can follow for the legal matters. Additionally, sometimes they have minimum agreements with publications (newspapers) to announce your mothers passing.
I would be using the mail-box as a checking system for her assets & liabilites. Usually, the assets send quarterly statements (Just sent out this July ... next in Sept) ... and bills are usually monthly & bi-monthly. Call the numbers on each statement (assets & liabilites).
Also, did your mother have internet service/ contract ... cell phone contracts ... cable contracts? Utilities are often overlooked.
Housing ... you need to get 3-4 Real-Estate agents to give you a fair market value of her house. Should she have a mortgage, then you need to talk with 5-6 mortgage officers about the equity in the house.
I also find the book, "Losing A Parent" helpful practical advice to help make the legal matters bearable along with bonding you to the other survivors in the family. This book helps you survive the emotions more than a legal check list.
You can do this.
2007-07-12 12:15:07 · answer #1 · answered by Giggly Giraffe 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Sorry to hear of your loss.
You might want to ask the funeral parlor. When a friend's mom died they gave my friend a guidebook outlining what needed to be done.
Unless you do something fraudulent you won't get "in trouble." What I mean by this if don't tell the registrar of voters she is dead nobody is going to arrest you. Don't tell them and then try and vote as her, then you will get in trouble.
However for somethings the more timely you do them it is cheaper. (e.g. canceling cable)
If her estate is substantial I would get legal advice.
You will need to file a final tax return with the IRS but pretty much everyone else you will be able to figure when the mail comes. Get a bill from Sears, they need to know. You don't have to notify everybody this second. But pretty much everybody who needs to know will mail her something in the next few months.
2007-07-12 12:51:27 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am sorry you lost your mother. My sympathies and prayers are with you. You should contact the Medicare office if she was receiving it. Also, you will need to go thru all her bills and send each of them a death certificate to show she is deceased so they don't send anymore bills. Notify the bank of her death and see how they will help you to obtain access to her account to pay for her bills. Next contact her utility companies and have them either discontinue service or transfer them into your name. Best advice I can give is to gather all your information about your mother's bills and take them to an attorney so that he can help you settle her estate. Even if she didn't have a home, she still has an "estate".
2007-07-12 12:57:30 · answer #3 · answered by bellslady65 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The first thing to do will be to examine the will, and find out how the estate is to be administered. The named administrator will go to the county courthouse, and arrange to get Letters of Administration, which authorize the administrator to collect funds due to the estate and to pay bills. You will publish in a local newspaper (which is certified to publish legal notices) a Notice to Creditors, advising them of the death and the date by which any claims against the estate must be filed. There is more, but this will get you started.
2007-07-12 12:19:42 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am so sorry for you loss. You should contact her lawyer so that her will can be read and appropriate actions can be taken. You will also want to contact Social Security, DMV, medical Insurance, Cancel all credit cards. You will also want to contact the bank. The person that does this will have to be the executor of the will and you will have to prove that.
I think that the best thing to do is to grieve first and then all will work itself out. Your lawyer should be able to advise you as well on what to do.
Good luck and my heart goes out to you.
2007-07-12 12:19:24 · answer #5 · answered by mamae 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'M SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.... YOU HAVE TO NOTIFY CREDIT CARD COMPANIES, SOCIAL SECURITY IF NEEDED, HER LIFE INSURANCE CO. GET AT LEAST 10 COPIES OF THE DEATH CERTIFICATE THE FUNERAL HOME WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH A COUPLE BUT I GUARANTEE YOU YOU'LL NEED MORE.
2007-07-12 12:17:20 · answer #6 · answered by gidget 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First off I would like to express my sorrow for your loss. second you need to get a probate lawyer to help you out. I might suggest the lawyer who drew up her will as your first stop.
2007-07-12 12:18:54 · answer #7 · answered by al 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I dont have an answer, but I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am for your loss. So sorry.
2007-07-12 12:13:48 · answer #8 · answered by Willowjac 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Sorry for your loss, Hang in there and Best Wishes....
2007-07-12 12:19:40 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sorry Doubt...I know that's not what you asked for... but I really am sorry.
2007-07-12 12:15:19 · answer #10 · answered by gcbtrading 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋