How do I cash a check if my Dad's name is on it?

Don't make a big deal of it at the bank or they will get their panties all in a bunch. Just deposit it, let it clear and then spend it.

Eyerish, if for some reason they won't let you deposit the check in your account, there could be another way. Did your father have a will that left things to you? Are you the executrix of the will? If so, then get an EIN online (like a SSN) for an account you are going to set up for your father's estate at the bank. Take the EIN number, death certificate, and letters testimentary to your bank to set up an estate checking or savings account. Put the check into the account. It will have to go through a probate period maybe, but then you'll be able to draw it out and close the account. Big hassle, I know, but sometimes banks are very particular about checks written to a deceased person.

An easier way to do it perhaps would be if the check could be direct deposited into your account. That could get tricky, too, since names and SSN wouldn't match.

I've had the same experience and the "for deposit only" didn't work. The bank would not even let me deposit it into my mom's bank account. She has nothing left either. I don't want to open probate for a few checks totaling only $1000.00. Lawyer says fill out an affidavit (obtained at courthouse) saying estate not being probated and take to bank.

You deposit it in the Estate account, which I hope is still open.

If you are the sole heir, just write "For Deposit Only" and put it in your bank account.

Ideally, you'll be able to just deposit the check. Just in case though, bring your father's death certificate and your POA, and any other papers that demonstrate your responsibility for his affairs. Show the papers to the bank employee(s) on an 'as needed' basis. If it does get a little gnarly at the bank (often, they don't know how to handle things if they don't go through these transactions regularly), just stay calm. It'll work out. :)

Estate account???? There was no estate.

It's that simple? I won't need a death certificate or anything?

My dad didn't have a will per se. He told me for years that he had taken care of everything, that I was not to worry, that when the time came I would have everything I needed. And he'd sit in his room and tell me that he was working on his "last wishes" so I never questioned him. When he was healthier and living at home with me I'd see him leave the house with papers under his arm so I took him at his word that everything was actually taken care of. It was my mistake to take him at his word. Not that he lied, but he thought he had taken care of everything and it was only when he became mentally incapacitated did I discover that he had not taken care of everything. I had my POA papers and my Advanced Healthcare papers but that was it. I had a heck of a time releasing his annuity and getting my name set up on his pension. He always seemed very organized, he was a college professor, and it never occurred to me that his affairs were in such disarray. I always advise my friends who have elderly parents to check and make sure their parents affairs are in order. Make them PROVE IT. I wish I had done that and I feel like a chump for not doing it but I trusted my dad.

So Jessie I guess that's the long version of the story of my dad's "will". There wasn't one. He had nothing to bequeath as we used what was left of his money for his care in the NH. What was left we used for his funeral services. That's why I'm concerned about this income tax refund check being made out in my dad's name. There's no account, no nothing.

I'm wishing you the luck of the Eyerish that they won't even blink an eye when you deposit the check. That would be the best possible outcome. All fingers and paws crossed at this house.