[cmalone]

Our father just passed away and he has about 4 different bank accounts. What do we need to do to consolidate them all into one account so we can pay bills and utilities until we sell the house? Can we get short certificates without using an attorney?

[ScottGem]

First its not a good idea to piggyback your question on someone else's. Especially when it has nothing to do with your question. This can lead to confusion. You should start a new thread. So I've moved your question to its own thread.

The first thing you need to do is setup an executor for the estate. That executor would then be able to set up an account in the name of the estate and transfer funds into it, to pay out bills and expenses.

[cmalone]

We have my father's will and I am the Executor - what do I do next? Do I have to have an attorney - I don't think there is much money for that.

[ScottGem]

Piggybacking means you post your question under someone else's question (thread).

This depends on local laws, you may have to have the will probated first. What I would do now is go to your bank with a copy of the will naming you as executor. Ask the bank what you you need to do to setup an account for the estate. They can give you advice on what you need to do.