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.
No Beneficiary on Bank Account If there is no beneficiary listed on the bank account, the account typically goes through probate, and the funds will be distributed ing to the deceased's will or state laws if there is no will.
Certain types of bank accounts (called payable on death or POD accounts) allow the account holder to designate one or more beneficiaries. This allows the funds to be transferred to the beneficiaries after death without court involvement.
Visit Banks in Their Area You will need to provide documentation to prove both that the account holder died and you have the legal authority (as a designated beneficiary, joint account holder or executor/administrator) to access the account.
Who can access and close the deceased's bank account? The executor named in the will can do this, or if no executor has been nominated, the administrator (main beneficiary). They'll contact the bank in question with proof of death to begin the process. The Death Certificate is typically accepted as proof.
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.