How we go about closing a bank account for my deceased father?
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How we go about closing a bank account for my deceased father?
No Will; no beneficiary.
Asked on December 11, 2015 under Estate Planning, South Carolina
Answers:
MD, Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
You can do a few things. First step is to try to go to the physical branch and speak with a branch manager. Show the death certificate and the manager will need to check to see if there is a joiint owner on the account or a beneficiary. If either, the account will automatically go that individual or individuals.
If that does not help, try filing a formal complaint with the state or federal regulatory authority who regulates your bank. You may also consider contacting the court to see if you need to file any interim paperwork naming you an administrator on the estate assets (what there are) or if your father's assets are insufficient, you may need to place this all in writing to the bank to have them release any remaining funds to the next in line in probate and close the account. Oftentimes, there may be a specific bank division (think corporate level) who can help you with this if you have a hard time at the local level.
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