![]() At that time, you will be allowed to look inside the box in the presence of a bank representative. Once granted, in some cases, you will then have to provide advance written notice to the bank that you will conduct an inventory of the box within a defined time period. A judge will review your paperwork before granting your request. To obtain the court order, you will likely have to file a petition and pay minor administrative fees. You may be able to take photographs or make photocopies of documents, but you will have no right to remove anything from the box at this point. Such court orders are typically granted to specific interested parties-relatives, spouses, or conservators, for instance-for the purpose of taking inventory only. Accessing the box before probateīefore you try to get into your loved one’s safe-deposit box, make sure you have your photo identification and an official copy of your loved one’s death certificate in hand.ĭepending on the bank and on state law, you may also need an order giving you permission to look inside the box from a court in the county where your loved one lived. Remember, if ever there was a time to ask friends and family to support you emotionally and with the logistical challenges that await, it is now. This can be a lot of bureaucracy to deal with, especially if you are still processing your grief. ![]() There can also be different scenarios depending on who is requesting access to the box, and whether this all takes place before a will goes into probate or during that process.įiguring out the particulars of your individual situation will take a bit of patience, and there may be some effort or gathering of necessary paperwork before you can gain access. The fine print of such rules, however, can vary from bank to bank and state to state. In general, once a bank is notified of a customer’s death it generally will not grant access to the box absent an order from the court. After a loved one passes away, you may need to see inside any safe-deposit box they might have had in order to know what to do with its contents.Īs you might expect, there are rules that dictate how and when you can take a look in your loved one’s box. Many people rent safe-deposit boxes as a secure place to house their valuables-jewels, bond certificates, insurance policies, and more. Having a key may help you get access and will save you a drilling fee. If the will is in the box, the bank will send it directly to the probate court. Once you gain access, you will only be able to inventory and photograph items, not remove them. To access your loved one’s safe-deposit box before probate, you will need their death certificate, your ID, and potentially a court order, depending on state law and the bank’s rules. Things to know about opening safe-deposit boxes ![]()
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