"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.
If you believe you are entitled to an unclaimed financial asset of a deceased relative, you can file a claim with the state government or business that is holding it. If you are specifically named as a beneficiary in the deceased relative's will, the claim process can be relatively smooth.
If you are the executor or administrator of a deceased person's estate and you need to access their bank account, you may need to provide the bank with: The death certificate of the account holder. A copy of the Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration. Your government-issued identification.
Some banks or building societies will allow the executors or administrators to access the account of someone who has died without a Grant of Probate.
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.
At least 40 days have elapsed since the death of the decedent, as shown in a certified copy of the decedent's Death Certificate attached to this affidavit or declaration.
You must be a designated beneficiary or joint account owner on the accounts, or your parents should have specifically devised the accounts to go to you in their will or trust. You may also be entitled to inherit them by way of intestate succession if your parents died without a will.
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.