[CA] How do I use a small estate affidavit to access my late father’s $12,000 Citibank account if I live in a different state?

CA Estate Probate

Liz

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The affidavit is actually not filed in court. It would be filled out, notarized, and then submitted with the death certificate to the bank.

You would usually contact Citibank again and request either a secure portal or another method to submit the official documents.

You can have it notarized in Colorado or use an online notary authorized for California.

California Small Estate Affidavit (Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property)

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Hello, my father passed away and left no will. Recently I found out he left a bank account through Citibank in CA. I do not live in CA, I live in CO. It has been difficult to find out what I need to do to gain access to this account. I am aware since the amount does not exceed $184,000, a full probate process is not necessary. However, I am completely lost as to how to get this process started and where to go. I had an affidavit made because I read an affidavit can be provided by the bank or one can be done following the guidelines. I need some guidance as to how to get this process started, please.

Lexi, Chatbot

I’m sorry to hear about your father’s passing; that must be a difficult situation for you. Have you already contacted Citibank regarding the account and their requirements for accessing it?

Yes, I have. They explained I need a letter of administration. But in speaking with an attorney, they mentioned I do not need one since the amount is only $12,000.

Lexi, Chatbot

Have you completed the affidavit, or are you still in the process of preparing it?

I just completed one on here now.

Liz

Hi there! My name is Liz and I’ve been an attorney for more than a decade, and I am here to assist with your legal concerns. So I can best help, have you considered a small estate affidavit?

Yes, I just created that on here. My next step was filing that through the court system. Can I use what I created on here with the courts?

I do not live in California, I live in Colorado. Can I go to any notary public and get this affidavit done? Or must it be done in the state of California?

Liz

The affidavit is actually not filed in court. It would be filled out, notarized, and then submitted with the death certificate to the bank.

You would usually contact Citibank again and request either a secure portal or another method to submit the official documents.

You can have it notarized in Colorado or use an online notary authorized for California.

Thank you. I have access to the portal they sent me to upload the death certificate. I am only missing this last step and was so lost and confused. I really appreciate all of your help. If I were to get it notarized online for California, do you know of a website that can do that for me?

Liz

There is a website called Notarize that has notaries for each state. Most banks also have an in-person notary.

Thank you. When I go to get the affidavit notarized, I will need the death certificate and my ID. Should I also bring my birth certificate just in case?

Liz

It can be good to have it with you, just in case.

Also, on his death certificate it indicates he was married. But he and my mother were divorced, and I have a copy of that. However, he never filed that in El Salvador, which is where he passed away. He never got divorced in El Salvador. The original copy is filed in the Superior Court. Would it be helpful to provide this to the notary as well?

Liz

It may be helpful. You may also want to look into correcting his death certificate since he was divorced.

Okay, thank you so much. I really appreciate all of the help.

Liz

You’re very welcome. I’m so sorry for your loss.

Thank you kindly.

Liz

You’re very welcome.

I hope you have a great evening, and happy holidays

Liz

You too.

Liz

41,505 satisfied customers

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