How to sell stocks that belonged to someone who is deceased?

Bob Baker: How to sell stocks that belonged to someone who is deceased?
I recently found evidence of a deceased relative’s investment in specific stocks. Looking through the vast amounts of papers, it didn’t appear that any of them were sold. I am the heir of the estate. I have absolutely no idea who to contact about this. The relative has been deceased for a year. If the stock’s still exist, I am the rightful owner, but need to transfer ownership. Any help on this would be great. Thanks.

Answers and Views:

Answer by Gaytheist Buddha
You need to go through probate and then present the results to the brokerages holding custody of those stocks.

Answer by Jeanne R
You need to contact the Executor of the estate. If the stocks were not part of the Probate or were not covered under the Trust, then the Executor will have to file the papers to amend the estate. The Executor will have to contact the brokerage holding the shares to arrange for the transfer of ownership.

Answer by LouiKung
I think you need a lawyer for this to become the legitimate heir by law. You can bargain with initial consultation ( you should choose the free of charge ones) for the reasonable and affordable charges.

Answer by jeff410
If you are the beneficiary on the account it doesnt need to go through probate. You need to submit a death certificate and whatever paperwork to the broker to get it into your name. If you werent a beneficiary then it may need to go through probate. Contact the broker, or the probate lawyer.

Answer by jlf
You can’t just declare yourself “the rightful owner.” The executor of the estate should handle that. It has to go through the probate process.

Answer by Max M
Contact either the stock broker that the decreased used or the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).