Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in New York

Can my beneficiary status be hidden?

My grandmother passed away a few weeks before my mother did. I received a call from my aunt asking for her death certificate, but said she couldnt tell me why. She needed it right away. If she filed an insurance claim or any other claim (I am assuming she got my grandmothers house completely), would I have to be notified if I were due anything since I am the next of kin for my mom? What if she didnt tell me anything? How do I find out if my grandmother named my mom in her bank account, life ins policy or estate? My aunt read me her will and I received 2 pieces of jewelry on behalf of my mom. I'm not greedy, im just curious why she needs my mothers death certificate.


Asked on 1/03/08, 6:23 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Walter LeVine Walter D. LeVine, Esq.

Re: Can my beneficiary status be hidden?

This might be needed for verification that your mother has an interest in an estate. Occasionally a Will specifies that to have an interest a person must survivve the decedent for some minimum time or loses their interest. More information is needed and you could contact the Surrogate to get a copy of the Will involved (for a small copying fee). Once you see the Will and the language involved, this might answer your question. Depending on the language of the Will, you may or may not take in your mother's place. If you get a copy of the Will and send it to me, I can explain what rights your have, if any.

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Answered on 1/04/08, 12:01 am


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