How to Close a Decedent's Bank Account
- 1). Identify the executor, who should have been named in the decedent's will or, if there was no will, probably was appointed by the county probate court. The executor deals with all the financial responsibilities of the estate, including the bank accounts. Legally, the bank can deal only with the executor of the estate, not a beneficiary or other family member.
- 2). Gather information about the number of bank accounts and account numbers. In the case of joint accounts, a surviving account owner can opt to remove the decedent's name and keep the account open. Individual bank policy determines the process for removing the deceased's name from an account.
- 3). Make an appointment with the bank to close the account. The executor must go to the bank with a copy of the death certificate, which can be obtained from the funeral home, and the information about the accounts. Before closing any account, determine if there are direct deposits or debits; if there are, make other arrangements for those transactions before closing the account.
