Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in New York
If I am the executor/executrix of my sister's will is it legal for me to sign checks and documents with her name on them even after she is already dead?
Asked on 5/26/11, 11:49 am
2 Answers from Attorneys
Gelena Alexandrovskaya
Kaplan & Alexandrovskaya, LLC
Assuming that you are talking about your deceased sister's bank account, you should not sign any checks with your deceased sister's name. In fact, you should let the bank know as soon as possible that your sister passed away and present them with a copy of the death certificate. All checks from an estate account, however, should be signed by you, as an executor of your sister's estate.
Answered on 5/26/11, 11:53 am
David Slater
David P. Slater, Esq.
No. Her estate must go to probate.
Answered on 5/26/11, 12:37 pm