Clifton Park, NY asked in Probate for New York

Q: What should be done with a deceased relative's documents?

My uncle passed away 2 years ago. He had no spouse or children and was living in assisted care at the time. The person that had been acting as his POA has now turned over to me all documents, forms and other papers she had in her possession. The bulk of them include bank statements, checkbook, bill receipts, Medicaid forms and the nursing home documents, among other items. I am not sure what to do with them - keep them another 5 years or shred them? As far as I know, there has been no activity or inquiry into his business for quite some time, although the POA stated she is still receiving monthly bank statements from his checking account. The last statement that was included in the papers given to me showed there is a little over $15K in the account. What should be done about that?

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1 Lawyer Answer
Michael David Siegel
Michael David Siegel
Answered
  • Probate Lawyer
  • New York, NY
  • Licensed in New York

A: As next of kin, file a voluntary administration to collect the bank account. Check unclaimed funds to see if there is anything on deposit with New York State. There is no need to keep records of old assets, etc., but this estate needs to be cleaned up.

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