How to Find the Bank Accounts of a Deceased Person Search Their Home and Mail. Visit Banks in Their Area. Call Their Employer. Search Online Databases. Consult With an Experienced Probate Attorney.
Since payable-on-death accounts (PODs) and transfer-on-death accounts (TODs) must designate a beneficiary, they are not subject to the California probate process. The payable-on-death beneficiary can claim the bank account proceeds by going to the bank with a copy of the death certificate and proof of identification.
"The surviving owner will be able to withdraw funds from the account," says David Doehring, probate attorney and managing partner of Doehring & Doehring Attorneys at Law. If the account has a payable on death beneficiary, the bank account balance goes to the beneficiary after the last account owner dies.