Bank Accounts

What is to be done with bank accounts after a death varies regionally.  In some regions, bank accounts are automatically frozen after a death.  To avoid any complications, the bank should be notified immediately, and you should find out the procedures for releasing these funds, and how to set up a new account for funds received after the death.  It’s recommended that a joint account stay open for at least six months to allow you to deposit any cheques that are made out to the deceased.  To take a name off a joint bank account, banks require a Funeral Directors Statement of Death.  If the deceased had a safety deposit box in a bank, the contents can be sealed after death and a Funeral Directors Statement of Death will be required to gain access to the contents. Funeral Director Statements of Death is an informal document used for initial notifications for situations where a quick confirmation of death is needed. The government official death certificate is a legal document required for more formal and legal matters such as:
• Settling the deceased’s estate (e.g. transferring property, accessing funds)
• Applying for government benefits (e.g. survivor benefits, pensions)
• Filing legal claim