A Better Way to Close an Estate.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
The death certificate debate
One of
the great debates we encounter in estate closing revolves around death
certificates. Some law firms say not to scrimp on buying them; the more
you have the better; always send them registered mail return receipt;
every company will need an original. In our experience, that's not
necessarily the case.
Yes,
there are specific companies that need originals but with the evolution
of the internet, a lot more companies are taking scanned copies with
additional proof of death (i.e. a letter from the funeral home or a copy
of the obituary).
The
Social Security Administration and Veterans Administration need
originals as does the court system. However, if you put a sticky note
that says "please return original" along with a self addressed stamped
envelope, they send it back. From a cost perspective you can spend $20
each and buy 15 for a total of $300 or you can buy 6 for a total of $120
and then buy blank envelopes and stamps at $.45 each.
There
are many tricks like this that we can help with. Although it doesn't
reduce the emotional stress or grief associated with closing the estate,
small things that can save money are a welcome change for the families
we serve.
As
always, thank you for your continued support of After the Fact - Final
Affairs. It's a privilege to serve the families you refer us.
Warmly,
After the Fact - Final Affairs, LLC
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