Letter of Testament(ary)? Whatever it is, my Mom needs one.

Factual Questions
1

Went to the social security offices to get the paperwork done to have the money sent to my mother’s new account and let them know my Dad died, and it turns out they already paid a lump sum into my Dad’s checking account. Problem is, my Mom apparently needs some kind of letter of testament or testamentary for the bank to give her access to the account so it can get transferred over to her new one (she was not on the original as her ID had expired at the time they moved their account years ago).

Is this one of those things we need a lawyer for, and if so, what would be too much to pay? It seems like one of those paperwork things that would be relatively cheap like you see the ads for in the yellow pages, i.e. separations, etc.

Does anyone have experience with this process or non-dubious legal advice for my Mom?

2

Letter of testamentary - it is a certificate that proves the appointment of the executor of an estate. You should be able to get one from the clerk of court.

3

So how would she get it? Just go to the clerk’s office with a death certificate and some proof she was married to him, or what?

4

So how would she get it? Just go to the clerk’s office with a death certificate and some proof she was married to him, or what?

5

The best thing to do is call them and ask.