Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Florida

Re: reopened summary administration

A tax ID number (EIN) is easily obtained from IRS with a Form W-4 (or any accountant or attorney can apply for you), and a W-9 is a simple form available from the IRS. I suggest you also furnish them with a certified copy of the Order (which I assume does direct distribution to you of the account in question), his death certificate, and a copy of the Florida Statute on Summary Administration. You may need to work your way up the supervisory ladder at the bank before they finally realize that you have all you need.

Re: reopened summary administration

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If the Amended Order of Summary Administration gave the proceeds of this settlement to you, they should be able to make the check payable directly to you without your having to open an estate account. Letters of Administration will only be issued in a formal administration and not in a summary. You should have your attorney speak with the party who is making the payment to clear this matter up.

Scott R. Jay, Esq.