Adult children typically handle the estate of their deceased parents. This can include liquidating assets, paying off debts and taking possession of real estate property. Some aging parents include their children's names on the deed. Upon the death of parents, children in this situation take ownership of the property. But if a parent doesn't deed a house to his children prior to his death, children must take specific steps to put the house in their name.
Instructions
1. Show a copy of the death certificate if the deceased parent created a will that names his children as property owners upon his death.
2. File an affidavit of survivorship. If you owned the property with your deceased parent (joint ownership) and you want to remove your parent's name and put the house in your name only, write a statement explaining that your parent has died. Sign the letter before a notary public.
3. Contact an attorney for information on where to update the property deed. Bring the death certificate and/or affidavit to the office that records property deeds in your city. The name for this office varies from city to city (for example, country recorder or register of deeds).
4. Meet with an attorney to discuss scheduling a probate hearing if you're not a joint owner. These hearings determine who will inherit assets or property upon the death of a parent. Assets and property typically transfer to the living spouse first and then children and grandchildren. Probate can occur with or without a will. If there's a will, the deceased person's wishes serve as basis for decisions.
5. Show proof of the relationship if the deceased parent did not have a will. Children can acquire real estate property after the death of a parent if the parent wasn't married -- and if children can provide evidence of the relationship. Evidence can include copy of a birth certificate.
Tags: death certificate, death parent, deceased parent, estate property, real estate