Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in New York

My Aunt's lawyer is handling her estate. He will take a percentage (3-5%) of her estate as his payment.

He has since asked for copies of savings bonds that my aunt gave to me 10 years ago.( the U.S. savings bonds have mine and my aunt's name on them). I know I can cash these myself because I already cashed one since her death.

He also wants copies of all bank accounts even though he knows they have beneficiaries, and co-owners named. I thought bank accounts and bonds pass seamlessly into the hands of the beneficiary when they claim their proceeds with the death certificate.

Please explain why he needs these documents, if you can.


Asked on 8/11/17, 7:27 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Richard Bryan Richard Bryan Attorney PC

Why don't you just ask him the question?

He's required to report to the court and possibly the IRS how much your aunt had at death, even if they're non-probate assets or jointly owned.

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Answered on 8/11/17, 7:55 am


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