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By: Scott Grossman on December 7th, 2017

Do You Have to Notify the Government in Regards to the Death of a Parent?

Why is it Important to Notify the Government of a Parents Death?

Under the California probate rules it is important to notify the government when a parent has passed away. This is to verify any pending claims that the decedent’s estate may have.

The estate’s administrator or executor is responsible for giving this notice, which can be written in letter or pleading paper form. Following this it should also mention the name, address, and telephone number of the personal representative. The notice should also include a copy of the death certificate along with other personal information of the case.

You should Notify the Following Agency’s after the Decedent’s Death.

You must send out a notice to the following agencies. This is to see in any pending claims are within the decedents estate. For example:

  • The Franchise Tax Board: You must send a notice for any pending income taxes owed by the descendant.
  • Social Security Administration (SSA): If the decedent received monthly Social Security benefits, you should call the SSA at once to inform them. This needs to happen immediately.
  • Medical Health Services: It is important to notify the Health Services if the decedent received any benefits under Medi-Cal. This needs to happen withing 90 days. If the surviving spouse or domestic partner also received health care it is important to notify them.
  • Victim Compensation Board:If a heir of the decedent is in a correctional institution, the personal representative must notify the Director of California Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board. Later, the director has four months after the notice to pursue collection of any outstanding restitution fines or even any orders.

Talk to San Diego probate attorney Scott Grossman about your situation and any questions you might have. Call us at (888) 443-6590 for your FREE 30-minute telephone consultation.