If my father died, what is the best way to handle distributing money from his checking account?
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If my father died, what is the best way to handle distributing money from his checking account?
My father died 3 1/2 years ago and assured me he had drawn up a Will. However he in fact died without a Will. I am his only child and I reside in OH. He left approximatelt $3,000 in a checking account.I do not wish to personally travel there to see about getting these funds. When I contact an OH attorney, what questions should I ask him/her? I’d like to wrap up this loose end.
Asked on July 21, 2011 Texas
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
I am so sorry for your loss. Although I would hate to take bread out of my brethren attorney's mouth, you really may not need an attorney to be able to take care of this other than to file the papers, if even that. Every state has laws about probating a small estate. If this is really all of your father's assets then you can probably prepare the paperwork yourself. Some states even allow a small estate affidavit to be prepared. You may also have to have someone not related to you prepare an affidavit as to the fact that you are an only child an entitled to the entire estate. Once you have been give Letters of Administration of sorts then you can go tot he bank and withdraw the funds. Good luck to you.
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