4 Reasons Why the Bank Will Ask for a Death Certificate

When you lose a loved one, you are rightfully focused on the difficult emotional journey that lies before you. Unfortunately, there are also many administrative and legal tasks that remain for the person in charge of settling the estate. One such task involves dealing with the bank accounts that were in the name of your loved one. As part of this process, the bank will likely want to see a copy of your loved one’s death certificate. Keep on reading to find out more about why the bank will ask for a death certificate.

4 Reasons Why the Bank Will Ask for a Death Certificate:

Maybe you expected that only the court would want to see a copy of your loved one’s death certificate. However, the court is not the only party that may request it. Banks and other financial institutions will often ask for a copy of the death certificate as well.

A death certificate is used for many tasks related to dealing with these accounts during the estate administration process. The following are four reasons why the bank may ask for a death certificate:

• If the bank account was held in the name of a trust, the death certificate may be required to prove that the decedent is no longer a trustee.
• Also, if the bank account was held jointly with another party, the death certificate is what documents the transfer of the asset from being jointly held to being held solely by the survivor.
• Furthermore, if the bank account in question was a “payable on death” account. The bank may request a  death certificate to prove death.
• Lastly, if the bank account was held in the name of your loved one, a death certificate will prove to the bank that he or she has passed. The bank will then freeze the account until a personal representative is appointed by the appropriate San Diego court.

Do you have further questions about the administering of an estate?

Did this article provide you with a helpful explanation as to the reasons why the bank will ask for a death certificate? If so, do not stop there! We have much more to offer in order to assist you in the probate administration process. If you have further questions about the administering of an estate, contact us today via our quick and easy online form. It would be our pleasure to assist you.