A short certificate is a document that is certified proof of the appointment of the estate's personal representative (executor or administrator). It is required to gain access to the assets of the decedent. The word short refers to the size of the document.
Note that short certificates are valid for 60 days, but death certificates never expire. These will be required by each bank and stock transfer agent, if there are any, as well as for such items as automobile transfers. Direct deposit items, if any, should be terminated.
A Certificate of Residence form is required as part of recording all deeds transferring property ownership, or the same information must be included within the deed.
"Officers' certificate" means a certificate signed and verified by the chair of the board, the president, or any vice president, and by the secretary, the chief financial officer, the treasurer, or any assistant secretary or assistant treasurer. Ca.