How should I handle the stock certificates Mom owned when she died?

there are usually several options with stock and the company holding the shares can educate you on them. you can liquidate them and deposit the proceeds into the estate account. You can transfer them into the names of the heirs also. The compay will have different forms they will send to you for whatever option you choose. Along with the completed form they require a death certificate, a short certificate and sometimes a medallion signature from your bank.