Legal Question in Investment Law in California

The easiest way is probably to contact the individual the brokerage firm had assigned (or whom your father selected) as his personal account representative. Over the years, most brokers have become less personal, more automated, and cheaper in terms of commission per trade, but most still have someone who works with each client, at least on an occasional basis. If unable to locate an individual by name, then just ask the firm for customer assistance. Ask what their process is; this is not an unusual situation for a brokerage. In my past experience, they'll probably want a copy of an official death certificate issued by his county health agency or coroner, and some paperwork identifying you as the proper heir. I'd guess the process would be fairly simple, but obviously no brokerage is going to pay the value of someone's account to a complete stranger, so be ready to find out what kind of documentation they expect, and then to provide it. (I assume you are the executor or administrator of his estate; if not, you'll probably need to have that person handle the process for you, as this is his/her duty).