How can we cash asavings bond of our deceased daughter?
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How can we cash asavings bond of our deceased daughter?
How can we use/cash/dispense savings bond. She had died in an Auto accident in 2000. She was 19 and had the bond since she was about 8, so its reached maturity. Its not the money aspect, we just want to know what can be done with it.
Asked on August 15, 2010 under Estate Planning, Pennsylvania
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
First, please accept our sympathy.
If your daughter was 19 at the time, then her estate--which includes any bonds she owned--would have passed by will if you had one, or by intestate succession if there was no will. In PA, if someone is unmarried and has no children of her own when she passes, her state will go to her parents.
Therefore, you should be the owners of the bond and therefore should be able to do with it whatever you could do had it been in your name to start. You should go to the website of, and/or contact, whomever issued the bond (e.g. U.S. Treasurery) to see if you can't find out procedurally, how to redeem, etc. the bond; or your bank may be able to provide guidance; or an attorney could help you. The short answer is, it should be your bond, but there is apt to be some paperwork hurdles that you will need to get over, and the issusing entity, a bank (especially if you have a good relationship with a banker), or an attorney can help you navigate those hurdles.
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