This form is a sample letter in Word format covering the subject matter of the title of the form.
This form is a sample letter in Word format covering the subject matter of the title of the form.
A Will, by itself, is not effective to convey title, possession, or interest in property. A Will must first be admitted to probate. Generally, under Texas law, a Will must be admitted to probate within 4 years of a person's death.
The beneficiary generally does not need to hire a lawyer or file anything in court to access the funds. They should be able to simply present the bank with proof of the death (e.g. a death certificate) as well as proof of their own identity, and the bank should release the funds directly to them.
The answer may surprise you: in Texas, bank accounts do not go through probate.
If the deceased person's bank account was solely in their name and there was no beneficiary designated (such as a POD), the funds will typically go through the probate process.