How Can I Access My Late Father’s Email and Devices?

While I can't provide direct help, I strongly advise you to prevent this kind of situation for your loved ones in the future. Consider using something like 'I'm Dead, Now What?' to document all your account information and which of your family members can access them. I went through something similar last month but had much of my info organized already, which made it easier. Trust me, it's worth it!

Have you checked your father's phone thoroughly for any written passwords or apps? Sometimes people store passwords in notes or password managers, and you could find a lucky lead there. Also, consider creating a document outlining crucial information for your children now to avoid similar issues later—include account details and any necessary contacts, which could save a lot of stress down the line.

I'm really sorry to hear about your loss. Unfortunately, it sounds like you'll need to go through some legal channels to gain access to your father's accounts. The company often requires proof of authority over the deceased's estate, so it might be a good idea to consult a lawyer who can handle this for you. They have processes in place for situations like these, which could help you get around the bureaucratic hurdles more smoothly.

If you’re up for a bit of a challenge, you could try bypassing some devices directly. Windows computers often have methods for resetting accounts that are pretty straightforward. Check for any hidden folders that might contain saved passwords or important information—just be aware you might come across things you weren’t expecting. But contacting Google directly for help could also yield positive results; they might assist without closing the account.

Your best bet is to directly contact Yahoo with your father's death certificate. They have processes for these kinds of requests, but be prepared for a lengthy wait. As for BitLocker, gaining access might be trickier—Microsoft might provide options for recovering the recovery key, but they typically can't unlock it without that key. So if that’s lost, it could be very complicated to decrypt the data.