Letter of Testamentary

[ronaldmu]

Spouse died some years ago with will and I have legal custody of two minor children, and I am executor. Hurricane Katrina flooded my home and I received a check payable to me and "Et Al". Bank won't cash check with a Letter of Testamentary. What/Why is this necessary?

 

[Litigation!]

Spouse died some years ago with will and I have legal custody of two minor children, and I am executor. Hurricane Katrina flooded my home and I received a check payable to me and "Et Al". Bank won't cash check with a Letter of Testamentary. What/Why is this necessary?

My response:

You never had the title deed changed into your name, only. That's the problem.

Either re-open Probate to have the title changed properly and then obtain a re-issued check, or see if the issuer of the check will give you a new check now without the "et al." Doubtful, but what's the worst thing they can say?

IAAL