Close out bank account

[Frank B]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Florida
Do I need to hire a lawyer in order to close a bank account of my mother who passed away? I am named as administrater. No other property is involved.
The bank account is not large. and I have been told, All I would need is the original will and the death certificate. Is this true?

 

[anteater]

...and I have been told, All I would need is the original will and the death certificate. Is this true?

Told by whom? If the bank will let you do it with only the will and death certificate, then you are in luck. Unless the account was jointly owned or had a named beneficiary, the bank should not. But you never know.

Assuming that does not work, your options are:

19. WHAT ALTERNATIVES TO FORMAL ADMINISTRATION ARE AVAILABLE?

Florida law provides for several alternate abbreviated probate procedures other than the formal administration process.

“Summary Administration” is generally available only if the value of the estate subject to probate in Florida (less property which is exempt from the claims of creditors; for example, homestead real property in many circumstances) is not more than $75,000, and if the decedent’s debts are paid, or the creditors do not object. Those who receive the estate assets in a summary administration generally remain liable for claims against the decedent for two years after the date of death. Summary administration is also available if the decedent has been dead for more than two years and there has been no prior administration.

Another alternative to the formal administration process is "Disposition Without Administration." This is available only if probate estate assets consist solely of property classified as exempt from the claims of the decedent’s creditors by applicable law and non-exempt personal property, the value of which does not exceed the total of (1) up to $6,000 in funeral expenses; and (2) the amount of all reasonable and necessary medical and hospital expenses incurred in the last 60 days of the decedent’s final illness, if any.