Can I get a "short certificate" for my deceased brother's checking account?

In California, the bank would provide you the form and/or information about exactly what you need. Here, often you can go in with a Death Certificate and their form and that is all that is needed. A Short Certificate is a legal PA document that shows the decedent’s name and date of death. It will also show the name of the Executor/Executrix who has been named to handle the affairs of the estate. A Short Certificate can be obtained at the “Register of Wills” office in the county court house. Contact your local bar association for referral to an attorney who specializes in this. Often, but not always, the attorney will do an initial consultation free of charge. You will then be in a better position to determine what to do next. Best of luck to you!

To get short certificates you need to get Letters of Administration at the Register of Wills. Since the estate is so small, simply go to the Register's Office to get started. Since the children have a priority position as to serving as Administrator, the Register may require you to get them to sign renunciations. As for the life insurance policy, you do not need the shorts but need a death certificate and the completion of the claim form that the insurance company requires. Call them directly for their procedures. The POA lapsed and became void at moment of your brother's death. Hope this helps. If you think this post was helpful, please check the thumbs up (helpful) tab below and/or designate my answer as best answer. Thanks. LEGAL DISCLAIMER Mr. Fromm is licensed to practice law throughout the state of PA with offices in Philadelphia and Montgomery Counties. He is authorized to handle IRS matters throughout the United States. His phone number is 215-735-2336 or his email address is [email protected] , his website is www.sjfpc.com. and his blog is Mr. Fromm is ethically required to state that the response herein is not legal advice and does not create an attorney/ client relationship. Also, there are no recognized legal specialties under Pennsylvania law. Any references to a trust, estate or tax lawyer refer only to the fact that Mr. Fromm limits his practice to these areas of the law. These responses are only in the form of legal education and are intended to only provide general information about the matter within the question. Oftentimes the question does not include significant and important facts and timelines that if known could significantly change the reply or make such reply unsuitable. Mr. Fromm strongly advises the questioner to confer with an attorney in their state in order to ensure proper advice is received. By using this site you understand and agree that there is no attorney client relationship or confidentiality between you and the attorney responding. This site should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed attorney that practices in the subject area in your jurisdiction, who is familiar with your specific facts and all of the circumstances and with whom you have an attorney client relationship. The law changes frequently and varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. The information and materials provided are general in nature, and may not apply to a specific factual or legal circumstance described in the question or omitted from the question. Circular 230 Disclaimer - Any information in this comment may not be used to eliminate or reduce penalties by the IRS or any other governmental agency. [email protected] , website is www.sjfpc.com. blog is

I am sorry for the loss of your brother. I first note that I am not licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania and I do not have much to add to the other two answers. Mr. Fromm is licensed in Pennsylvania and hit the nail on the head! As was indicated, the life insurance company will require a death certificate.