Executor papers beat a family story

USA.gov says the office may ask how you are related, or why you want the copy. Many states limit recent certified copies to listed family. Some also list a court-appointed personal representative. California's authorized-copy list includes a person appointed by a court to act for the estate, and it asks for documentation identifying you as executor or administrator. Louisiana lists a succession representative who brings a Letter of Testamentary or Letter of Administration certified by the clerk of court. New York lists spouse, parent, child, or sibling, or another person with a documented lawful right, such as a court order or an agency letter. Confirm the current list on the office for the place of death.

What to put in the envelope

• The application the office publishes, filled as that form asks.
• Photo ID. Mail a copy if they say so.
• If you are ordering as a listed relative, the relationship papers that form names.
• If you are ordering as a court-appointed representative, the letters the court issued, certified the way that office asks. A conversation about being next of kin is not those letters.

This desk does not decide who the personal representative is, does not tell you to open probate, and does not give legal advice. It does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Read the who-may-request line on the official application before you pay.