Lost Money

[RJF0101]

Currently probating mom's estate- she did not keep records well. We can not find app. $25.000 Have checked with her current bank. Not there. possible trust fund? savings acct? How do we go about finding info? Thank you, Robin

 

[advisor10]

01-08-2000

Mail a letter to or call all other banks in that city to ask whether your mom had an account with them. Be sure to also talk to the TRUST DEPARTMENT at each bank, because they are specifically set up to handle a person's trust, do estate planning, etc.

Write to the Income Tax Office for that state to order a copy of her last year's return (where you could find out the name of her tax preparer/accountant) or get other clues as to how her affairs were handled or who handled them. Also do the same for her federal tax return.

What reason or indications are there that she had $25,000 that you can not find now? Are these funds specifically mentioned in her will? If the will was prepared by an attorney, does he not have any information on where her assets are located--did she not tell him? Has someone already looked through her papers and personal possessions at her home?

SINCERELY,

[email protected]

 

[RJF0101]

Thank you for the info. Mom inherited $41.000 in 1996. Have tax returns except for that year. She did not disclose to atty. that prepared will. Have went over bank statements since she received money, no deposits etc.. She had good retirement income plus 2 apartment rentals. She took out loan for home improvements after receiving the $41.000. Very puzzled. Thanks for your help. Sincerely, Robin

 

[ALawyer]

If it is cash, you're out of luck.

If you think it is invested someplace, check the 1099s you will be receiving in the next few weeks reflecting all dividends and interest.

Check the mail also for statements from brokers, corporations, insurance companies, etc.

And check her checkbook(s) to see if there were any withdrawals or checks written to and even deposits from sources that you might not expect.