Q: My father passed in 2008 in Allegheny County, PA. I am the son, sole survivor, and reside in FL.
NJ has $781 in my dad's unclaimed funds and I am trying to establish ownership. The court in PA wants me to get a lawyer and file probate ($180). Any way to streamline this NJ process?
A: You would have to ask an attorney licensed in New Jersey. It has nothing to do with Florida law.
A:
To streamline the process of claiming unclaimed funds in New Jersey as the sole survivor of your father, who passed away in Pennsylvania, there are a few steps you can take. First, reach out to the unclaimed funds office in New Jersey to inquire if they have specific requirements for heirs claiming funds when the deceased did not reside in their state. They may have a procedure in place for situations like yours.
Since the amount is relatively small, you might also inquire if New Jersey has a small estate affidavit process. This is often a simpler method for claiming assets without going through full probate. However, the rules for this vary by state and may depend on whether an estate has been formally probated in the state where the deceased resided.
If full probate in Pennsylvania is required, check if there's a simplified probate process for smaller estates. This could potentially reduce the cost and complexity of the process.
Remember, legal requirements can be intricate and vary widely. If you find the process overwhelming or complex, it may be worthwhile to consult with a legal professional, even just for specific advice on this matter. They can guide you through the most efficient and cost-effective way to establish your claim to the unclaimed funds.
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