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How to get a court order to satisfy Apple's requirements to access my deceased brother's iPhone and MacBook Air. Do I have to hire another lawyer?

Hello. How do I get a court order to satisfy Apple's requirements to access my deceased brother's iPhone and MacBook Air. Do I have to hire another lawyer? I am already Executor and have all court documentation for that purpose. Now I need a different court order with my brother's Apple ID?


MacBook Air (2020 or later)

Posted on Nov 2, 2021 2:18 PM

Reply
3 replies

Nov 2, 2021 7:03 PM in response to Limnos

Thank you. I am curious that you never needed a court order. The web link from Apple you sent states:


“…we ask that the person’s next of kin obtain a court order that names them as the rightful inheritor of their loved one’s personal information. 

We ask that the court order specify:

  • The name and Apple ID of the deceased person.
  • The name of the next of kin who is requesting access to the decedent’s account.
  • That the decedent was the user of all accounts associated with the Apple ID.
  • That the requestor is the decedent’s legal personal representative, agent, or heir, whose authorization constitutes "lawful consent.”
  • That Apple is ordered by the court to assist in the provision of access to the decedent’s information from the deceased person's accounts.”


I have documentation saying that I am the Executor, but when I spoke to Apple today, they said that I needed a different court order specifically detailing what is above.


Is there another way?


Nov 2, 2021 8:09 PM in response to cacouch

I was given a deceased person's device but the spouse knew the information needed to unlock it. We did that and I was then able to erase the device and sign in with my ID. That's the only time I have "inherited" a device and my legal life has otherwise been very uncomplicated and I have never seen a lawyer about anything, ever, nor ever been in a court room.


https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Court-Order


I would think if you have a lawyer handling any of the legal issues, that would be the person to ask about what is required. I don't know of any lawyers posting on this forum.

How to get a court order to satisfy Apple's requirements to access my deceased brother's iPhone and MacBook Air. Do I have to hire another lawyer?

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