Her account is incurring fees due to low balance and I'd like to stop that. I have POA and am executor of her estate, though I haven't started any probate process yet since I don't have copy of death certificate. Just not sure if bank will refuse to close account since probate isn't even started.
I wouldn't touch any accounts until you start Probate with the Circuit Court. I just started on that journey yesterday and yikes all the paperwork involved. I have my Dad's Elder Law Attorney doing most of the work for me, as this is too mind blogging for me right now.
I am surprised the funeral home hasn't given you copies of the Death Certificate. I got my parents within 3 days of seeing the funeral director to start that funeral process, in each case. Give the funeral home a call.
Regarding Power of Attorney, you can go ahead and file that document away, as it stopped being active the minute your Mom had passed.
If you are writing checks from your account or a joint account, make sure you keep all invoices for any payments you made for bills for your Mom, including funeral expenses. Keep those bills in a separate folder or 3-ring binder. Probate will ask for what bills were paid after the fact. Eventually you can be reimbursed from Mom's estate. Since you are the Executor, you would be paying yourself.
Rainmom is right about the Federal inheritance tax being $5.43 million. That usually affects the top 2% of the wealthy people.
You also need to inform Social Security. You can not close an account that her check was going into since they may have to retrieve a check that has been deposited after her death. They need to be informed ASAP.
I am sure when you go to the bank you could get them to reverse fees if you ask and explain the circumstances.
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