Ifmy grandmother passed away and left me in her Will, am I required to submit my original birth certificate?
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Ifmy grandmother passed away and left me in her Will, am I required to submit my original birth certificate?
I have been speaking with my uncle whom I guess has been working with the lawyers in regards what my grandmother left for us. My uncle stated the lawyers are requesting a copy of my birth certificate with the raised seal on it. I am her son’s daughter. She lived in PR; I’m in the states.
Asked on November 3, 2011 under Estate Planning, New York
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
I am so sorry for your loss. Although it does sound a bit odd, it may be that because she resided in Puerto Rico the attorneys there just want to make sure that they have properly documented the heirs of the estate really for their own protection as well as for yours - you do not want some one coming in to claim they are an heir when they are not - or it may be required of the probate process there. If the issue is that you do not have a copy of your birth certificate it is really very easy to obtain. You have to go to the Bureau of Vital records and obtain an official copy of the certificate. You just have to bring identification (look on their website) and payment. And if you want to know why you can just ask it of the proposed fiduciary of the estate (executor or executrix). Good luck to you.
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