Legal & Estate Guidance

Legal & Estate Guidance

Here you will find a growing list of legal considerations to consider before and after the death. By visiting the Community Links Section within our site you will be directed to the closest lawyer or law firm that is known in the areas of estate planning and settlement legal matters. Our legal team in this area continue to provide informational input within our site for families seeking answers to their unresolved questions.

Locate as many of the following documents as possible:
  • Wills
  • Deeds
  • Bank Books
  • Stock Certificates
  • Military Discharge Papers
  • Social Security/Insurance Card
  • Tax Forms
  • Vehicle and Boat Titles
  • Insurance Policies
Before the business and legal issues of the estate can be pursued, it will be necessary to obtain certified copies of the death certificate. A death certificate serves as the official vital record to acknowledge a death.

Where to Get Death Certificates?

Most commonly families order certified death certificates from Sisto Funeral Home, Inc., or through the funeral director that you worked with. You can also complete the death certificate form to request one directly from the New York State Department of Health.

How Many Certified Death Certificates do I need?

It is always better to order several death certificates, maybe even a few more than what you think you will need, as most agencies requiring legal confirmation of a death will only accept certified death certificates and not photocopies

Bank Accounts & Safety Deposit Boxes

Because banks are subject to both state and federal regulations, procedures can vary greatly from bank to bank and state to state. Some states have been known to automatically freeze joint bank accounts when one of the joint owners dies. To avoid problems, contact your bank directly, to determine the amount of money accessible and learn the procedures for releasing these funds, and to establish a new account for funds received after the death. At least one joint checking or savings account should be left open for at least six months. This will allow you to deposit any checks that you are entitled to but are in the deceased's name. For instance, "Insurance Reimbursement Check". This check would be endorsed on the back as follows: "Deposit Only" with the deceased's name PRINTED underneath, followed by the bank account number.
Share by: