Is there any way to find out 2 things: 1) if there is money in a bank account of deceased relatives or 2) if there has ever been life insura...

Question

Is there any way to find out 2 things: 1) if there is money in a bank account of deceased relatives or 2) if there has ever been life insurance policies taken out on myself by my now deceased parents?

Answer

In most instances, these things are located by mailings to the decedent. Bank accounts usually have monthly statements mailed to the decedents address. Forwarding mail to the representative is the usual practice. Life insurance sends invoices if premiums are due, and usually sends annual reports if not. Both types of matters can also in most cases be determined by reference to the decedents last income tax return, the decedants checkbook and the decedants personal records.