When involved with a transaction where the seller or one of the sellers is deceased it is important to contact your title company early in the listing process:
• It is critical to determine current ownership in this situation. Obtaining a copy of the deed to the property is the best place to start.
• A copy of the death certificate will typically be required by the title company.
• If the deceased party left a will, the title company may require a copy prior to closing.
• If the deceased party did not leave a will, the title company may need to determine the heirs of the deceased party.
• Don’t assume that if one spouse is deceased that the property will automatically go to the surviving spouse.
• Depending on ownership, only one person may need to sign or all heirs and spouses may need to sign. So be sure to allow enough time to deal with any out of town heirs.
• The proceeds of the sale may need to be held in an escrow account until any potential claims period has expired.
Any questions regarding the above can be directed to Security Title. Please feel free to call:
Jack Forsythe
Legal Counsel
(314) 442-6965
“Secure Your Investment With Security Title”
