Some monthes ago my friends mother passed away. His father had preceded her by many years in passing.
This family wasn't exactly "formal" in what they did. She did not have a will, although she did make him the sole beneficiary of her life insurance.
He is an only son. There are no other siblings.
Both his and her names were on a utility bill. The utility company wrote a refund check in her name only and refuses to reissue it. It isn't huge but it's for several hundred dollars which would really help him.
He has copies of the death certificate but that is all.
Is there any way for him to unilaterally become a Power of Attorney or Executor of her estate or something that will give him some legal standing when dealing with this issue along with any other future issues that may arise as he continues to clean up paperwork?
Thanks in advance for any help!
Doug
This family wasn't exactly "formal" in what they did. She did not have a will, although she did make him the sole beneficiary of her life insurance.
He is an only son. There are no other siblings.
Both his and her names were on a utility bill. The utility company wrote a refund check in her name only and refuses to reissue it. It isn't huge but it's for several hundred dollars which would really help him.
He has copies of the death certificate but that is all.
Is there any way for him to unilaterally become a Power of Attorney or Executor of her estate or something that will give him some legal standing when dealing with this issue along with any other future issues that may arise as he continues to clean up paperwork?
Thanks in advance for any help!
Doug