What is the process to acquire past bank statements and records when your mother has passed away?

jmcee123 · Joined: 01 Sep 2008 Posts: 1 1.00 Dollars($)

What is the process to acquire past bank statements and records when your mother has passed away?....Our elderly mother has recently passed away. Although she sold the family ranch to her youngest son, 7 years ago, for $130,000, she has only enough money in her banking account to cover funeral expenses, with very little left over. Her monthly Social Security check was $980 and her living expenses were minimal, and never went beyond that amount. Two or 3 of the 8 children say that mother was a very giving person and perhaps gave most away, also offering as explanation that her pills were very expensive, neither of which make any sense at all. We do know that she borrowed money to two or three, one of which we know still owes her $8000.
Mother left no will, but we want to know what happened to her money and feel past bank statements may tell the story. The youngest son doesn't seem willinging to dig in and help or offer a paper trail to document, as he was the one that handled all financial matters for her.
The rest of her family just wants to know where the money went. Thank you for any help you may give in this situation. I will add that mother was of sound mind, still drove and handled most of her affairs by herself.

helping_user

Welcome jmcee.

If the bank accounts are active till now, you may prepare some docs that would introduce you and explain that you're unable to locate your deceased mother's bank records. Then send the docs to the banks with which you feel she could have an account. The banks would review the package and check their validity. They will then inform you as to whether your mom has an account in the respective bank.

You will have to be authorized by your mother's estate in order to find out if she has had an account with a bank. Since your mother didn't leave behind a Will and she has sold off her property to the youngest son, therefore, I think he may be the owner of her estate. So, you can talk to him regarding the authorization.

Thanks.

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