My dad died and the iPad is locked

My dad recently died and I got locked out of his iPad trying to figure out his password.

I called support and guessed the security questions right, but because we canceled his credit cards, we didn't have the credit card number to give them.

They said I would have to send in the death certificate and wait 4 months before it could be unlocked.

There has to be a better or faster way.

The person on the phone was acting like they weren't completely sure what to do.

Has anyone had experience with this and know a way to speed up the process?

Thanks for your time, and I appreciate anyone who can help out.