Q: My fiance passed away. I need to retrieve what monies was in his bank account in order to pay for his cremation.
We shared a life together for over 23yrs. I had been his p.o.a., only to learn I now have no rights. It will cost $1751.69. The money is there. How can I get it to pay the funeral home ? They'll do nothing until they get their money. Can you please help ?
A: If your name was not on his account, then the bank cannot release any funds without authorization from the probate court. Someone will have to file with the probate court to open his estate, and the probate court would then determine who is entitled to be paid any assets. Funeral expenses are a high priority for repayment from estate assets. If he had only a small estate, there is a simplified probate process. Check the probate court web site for forms to file to get started, or retain a local probate attorney to assist you.
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