Question:  What documents will a title company require to pass title to my deceased relative's real estate?

Answer:   In your situation, the title company will require more than the death certificate to transfer title to the heirs, or to sell the property to a third party. They are concerned with the dependability of the chain of title on the real estate. The title company will want to see documents establishing who the heirs of the estate are. Sometimes they will accept affidavits of heirship, if the circumstances are simple. Otherwise, the title company will require a letter testamentary (granted to the executor named in a will) an order admitting the will as a muniment of title only, or an order from the probate court establishing the heirship of the deceased.