Notify banks with safe deposit boxes

If a bank is notified of a death, generally the account holder’s safe deposit boxes will be frozen so even a person with a key will not be allowed to access the safe deposit box unless their name is on the box agreement. Once a person dies, his or her safe deposit box is accessible only by the executor, who must provide letters of testamentary. The exception, of course, is access by law enforcement officials working under the direction and approval of the court.

Problems can arise regarding ownership of items in a jointly held safe deposit box. It is best to work with the estate attorney to determine how to protect the contents and determine ownership of the items inside.