Cassville, NJ asked in Family Law, Probate and Estate Planning for New York

Q: How can I find out if my deceased brother has any open bank accounts like savings or certificates of deposit?

I am my brother’s only living heir.

3 Lawyer Answers
Howard E. Knispel
PREMIUM
Howard E. Knispel
Answered
  • Estate Planning Lawyer
  • Commack, NY
  • Licensed in New York

A: If your brother left no will, you need to be appointed Administrator of his estate. You need to file for letters of Administration with the court.

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

A: Check his mail. Check his credit report. Check his tax return. You can also hire a private investigator service.

Anthony M. Avery agrees with this answer

Bonnie Lawston
PREMIUM
Bonnie Lawston
Answered
  • Probate Lawyer
  • Huntington, NY
  • Licensed in New York

A: The best way is to run a social security search. However, if you were appointed as the fiduciary of his Estate you could contact the IRS and obtain a transcript to see what has been reported in the past, contact the local banks and other financial institutions and review all his records, bank accounts and mail to see if there is any indication of where he may have banked.

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