Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Illinois
Letter of Office
Due to a death, the financial institution has requested a Letter of Office to allow access to the deceased's bank lock box.
What is a ''Letter of Office''?
Can the Executor provide this to the bank?
Where can this form be obtained?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Letter of Office
a letter of office is issued to the executor of a probated estate where there was a will or administrator of an estate where there was not a will, but requires opening a probate estate.if no probate estate will be opened, sometimes a bank will accept a small estate affidavit.
Re: Letter of Office
Letters of Office are issued by the probate court once a probate estate has been opened.
Whether there needs to be a probate estate opened depends on a number of factors, including the size of the estate and whether or not there was a will. You will need to consult an attorney to determine whether you should open an estate.
If the estate is small (under $100,000), you may be able to gain entry into the lock box with a Small Estate Affidavit. Again, an attorney will advise you on whether this form is appropriate for your situation.
Good luck to you.