Notify Banks & Manage Accounts

Joint accounts with rights of survivorship pass automatically to the surviving owner—the funds remain accessible immediately. The bank will remove the deceased's name from the account once you provide a certified death certificate. Joint accounts do not go through probate. However, sole accounts in the deceased's name will be frozen until the executor presents Letters Testamentary.

If you are a surviving joint account holder, your access to the funds depends on how the account is titled, the account agreement, and applicable state law. Do not assume that all of the money automatically belongs to you; confirm the account status with the bank. If the account was solely in the deceased person's name, do not withdraw or use the funds unless you are legally authorized. Some banks may pay funeral expenses directly or release limited funds before probate is complete, but this depends on the bank's policies and state law and is not guaranteed. Ask the bank what options are available and what documents it requires, which may include a certified death certificate, funeral invoice, and identification.

You will typically need: a certified death certificate, your government-issued photo ID, Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration (for sole accounts), and the deceased's account numbers if available. Bring originals—most banks will not accept photocopies. If you are the surviving joint owner, you only need the death certificate and your ID.

Do not close accounts right away. Automatic payments (utilities, insurance, subscriptions) may still be drafting from these accounts, and incoming deposits (pension, Social Security) may still arrive. First, redirect automatic payments and update direct deposits. Then, once you have accounted for all pending transactions, transfer the balance and close the account. This typically takes 1-3 months.