What to do about a dividend check in a deceased person’s name?
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What to do about a dividend check in a deceased person’s name?
My father owned stock in a public utility. The dividend checks have his name with the suffix owner and my son’s name on the front. My father passed away and my son is a minor. Can he cash the checks?
Asked on July 5, 2012 under Estate Planning, Alabama
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
I am so sorry for your loss. Are they joint owners of the stock and did your Father's half pass to your son at the time of his death? If they are then you will have a better time of having the stock certificates changed and the dividends re-issued. But if not then you will need to go through probate of your father's estate to deal with them. But I would not cash the checks until things are clear here. Good luck.
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