Was the insurance on your Home under the name of someone who died?
What happens when someone lives in property that belonged to their parent(s) or grandparent(s) or other relative and a succession was never opened? When the insurance check arrives, it is made out to “The Estate of …”
What do you do? How do you cash the check to repair the home?
You will need to open a Succession and an Estate Bank Account. If you qualify for services, SLLS can help! Apply for Services by calling: 1 (844) 244-7871 or online at
The Succession
- The court will give you letters of administration
- It has to be filed whether or not the deceased had a will
- You will need to keep an accounting of how all the money was spent
- You will need the original death certificate (from vital records, see how to below)
How Do I Open an Estate Account?
To open an estate account, bring to a bank:
- original death certificate; (see instructions below)
- social security number;
- letters of administration; and
- taxpayer identification number (EIN). (see instructions below)
How Do I get a Death Certificate?
There are three ways you can get a death certificate.
- In person at Vital Records
- Address: The Vital Records Central Office located in New Orleans is open for walk-ins at 1450 Poydras Street, Suite 900, New Orleans from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Payment Method: Walk-in service accepts cash (EXACT AMOUNT), check and money order.
- Must Complete an application
- Must have a photo ID
- By Mail (8-10 weeks for delivery)
- Mailing Address: Bureau of Vital Records & Statistics, P.O. Box 60630, New Orleans, LA 70160. To get a death certificate by mail, you will need to include:
- Completed Application
- Correct Fees: $7.00 + $0.50 for mailing.
- Copy of Photo ID
- Through VitalCheck (additional fees)
- Phone: Call VitalChek at 1-877-605-8562
- Online: vitalchek.com
- In person at Vital Records
More information can be found on La. Dept. of Health’s website: How To Order Death Records | La Dept. of Health
Application form: Application for Certified Copy of Birth/Death Certificate
How Do I Get an EIN Number?
To get an EIN, fill out the application online (IRS Form SS-4): EIN Individual Request – Online Application
The information provided in this post does not, and is not intended to, represent legal advice. All information available on this site is for general informational purposes only. If you need legal help, you should contact a lawyer. You may be eligible for our free legal services and can apply by calling our Legal Hotline at 1-844-244-7871 or applying online here.