J
joa.
Guest
My mother-in-law died in September of this year. Her entire estate consisted of a checking account (less than $500) in both her name and mine, and two $1000 Certificates of Deposit in her name only. In her will I was named as executor. I went to the bank (with a copy of the death certificate and a copy of the will) and told them I would like to have them close out the checking account, cash the CD's and draw a money order for that amount - payable to the funeral home. They told me I would have to have a court order to cash the CD's. I went to the court administrator's office and explained the situation to them. The young lady there gave me an affidavit of _________. She told me to fill it out and have it notarized and that was all I would need if the estate was less than $20,000. I did as she said and took it to the bank. They refused to accept it - stating that they must have a court order. Since my daughter and I were her only relatives, the balance of the bill to the funeral director will fall on my shoulders. I really don't want to have to pay attorney's fees too. Is there any other alternative?