[FL] How do I claim my late grandmother’s Sun Life funds through my deceased father’s estate?

Lexi, Chatbot

I’m sorry to hear about the loss of your grandmother and father; that must be a difficult situation for you. Have you already started the process of completing the Florida Small Estate Affidavit?

Lexi, Chatbot

Do you have any other documentation related to your grandmother’s estate or the account with Sun Life Financial?

Richard

Hey there! I’m Richard, an attorney with many years of experience. Before we dive in, have you checked if there are any other legal documents or requirements needed by Sun Life Financial to process the claim?

Richard

Based on what you’ve described, you are generally on the correct path.

Richard

At this point, the remaining steps are procedural and evidentiary rather than substantive.

Here is what should be done next:

• Submit the completed Florida Small Estate Affidavit.

Make sure it is properly executed and notarized, and that it complies with Florida’s small-estate requirements.

• Include certified death certificates.

Sun Life will typically require certified copies (not photocopies) of:

– Your grandmother’s death certificate
– Your father’s death certificate (since he was the intervening heir)

• Provide proof of heirship / lineal relationship.

Because your grandmother died in 2005 and your father (her direct heir) later passed away, Sun Life will usually require documentation showing the chain of inheritance, such as:

– Your father’s birth certificate listing your grandmother as his mother
– Your birth certificate listing your father as your parent

This establishes you as the lawful successor.

• Include the explanatory cover letter.

The letter should briefly state:

– Your grandmother’s name and date of death
– That your father was her heir and is now deceased
– That you are his heir and are claiming the funds pursuant to the Florida Small Estate Affidavit
– Reference the Sun Life account or policy number

• Attach all Sun Life correspondence you have.

• Confirm whether probate was ever opened.

If no probate was opened for your grandmother or your father, state that clearly. If probate was opened, Sun Life may require copies of closing documents or orders of distribution.

• Send everything by traceable delivery (certified mail or similar) and keep copies.

Because the asset has been dormant for many years, Sun Life may also check whether the funds were ever escheated to the state. If so, they will direct you accordingly.

Richard

That’s good news — that simplifies things since you won’t need to go through unclaimed property first.

Richard

 In this situation, the Small Estate Affidavit you are submitting to Sun Life should reference your grandmother’s estate, because she was the original account holder.

However, you must also explain the chain of inheritance:

• Your grandmother died (with a will).
• Your father inherited from her.
• Your father later died intestate (without a will).
• You and your siblings are now his heirs under intestate succession.

So the claim is technically through two estates:

1. Your grandmother’s estate (the original asset owner).

2. Your father’s estate (since the right to receive the funds passed to him and then to you).

In your affidavit and cover letter, you should clearly explain both deaths and your position as successor heir. Sun Life needs to see that you legally stepped into your father’s place.