FL S0892

Authorizes financial institutions to pay decedent depositors' funds (up to $10,000 total) directly to surviving successors without court proceedings, orders, or judgments.

Defines "surviving successor" as: the surviving spouse; if no spouse, an adult child; if no spouse or adult children, a parent of the decedent.

Requires surviving successor to provide a certified death certificate and affidavit containing: proof of relationship, decedent's date of death and last address, certification that funds do not exceed $10,000, and acknowledgment of release and indemnification of the financial institution.

Releases financial institutions from liability for payments made under this section and requires surviving successors to indemnify institutions against claims, demands, attorney fees, court costs, losses, or damages related to the disbursement.

Surviving successors remain answerable to persons prejudiced by improper distribution, including personal representatives, fiduciaries, and beneficiaries of the decedent.

Takes effect July 1, 2018.