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Legal Advice

After a death, there are many legal details to hammer out.  While it is not necessary to get a lawyer, it may benefit your needs.  A lawyer will make sure all the ‘t’s are crossed and ‘i’s are dotted.  The time following a death of a loved one is extremely emotional, and even the closest family will have disagreements over the most trivial matters.  To make sure there is still peace in the family, it is a good idea to let a lawyer figure things out.

Bank Accounts

What is to be done with bank accounts after a death varies.  To avoid any complications, the bank should be notified immediately. You should find out their procedure on how to set up a new account for funds received after the death, if applicable.  It’s recommended that a joint account stay open for at least six months to allow you to deposit any cheques that are made out to the deceased.  To take a name off a joint bank account, banks require a Proof of Death Certificate.  These are obtained from the funeral home.  If the deceased had a safety deposit box in a bank, the contents can be sealed after death and a Proof of Death Certificate may be required to gain access to the contents.

Proof of Death Certificates

A Proof of Death Certificate is necessary to notify and prove a death has occurred.  A Proof of Death Certificate can be obtained through a Funeral Director.  It is a good idea to obtain multiple copies, as most agencies and organizations require an original Proof of Death Certificate and not a photocopy.

Let Us Help You.

Navigating the days after the passing of a loved one can be one of the most difficult challenges of one's life. We are proud to be able to help members of our community make their way through this complicated period of their lives.