PathAfter FAQ
Bank Accounts and Financial Institutions
Focused answers for people handling the first days, paperwork, and follow-up steps after a death in California.
Start checklistWeek 2–4 administration and California-specific questions
The bank won't let me access the account. What do I do?The bank is following the law — they cannot release funds without legal authority. Your options depend on the account type. If you are a joint holder, you already have access — show your ID. If you are a named beneficiary on…What is a POD account and how do I claim it?POD stands for "payable on death." It is a beneficiary designation on a bank account. When the account holder dies, the money passes directly to the named beneficiary outside of probate. Bring a certified death certificate and your ID to the bank…How long does it take to get money out of an estate?Depends on the path. A joint account or POD account: days to a few weeks. A small estate affidavit (California): 40-day waiting period after death, then typically 1–2 weeks to process. Full probate: 9–18 months minimum in California. If you are facing…What if there is no money to pay bills while probate is pending?The executor can petition the court for a family allowance — a temporary payment from the estate to support a surviving spouse or minor children during probate. Ask a probate attorney. Also check whether any accounts had joint holders or beneficiary designations…Can I use their debit card to pay for funeral expenses?No. Using a deceased person's debit or credit card — even for legitimate expenses like a funeral — is technically unauthorized use and can be considered fraud. Pay funeral costs from your own funds first, then file a claim for reimbursement from…What if their account is overdrawn?The estate is responsible for the overdraft, not you personally. Notify the bank of the death. Do not deposit personal funds to cover the overdraft unless you are legally the estate representative. The bank will file the overdraft as a claim against…What is a medallion signature guarantee and when do I need it?A stamp required by financial institutions to verify your identity when transferring securities (stocks, bonds, mutual funds). Banks and brokerage firms that participate in the program provide them. You cannot get one at a notary. If you are transferring investment accounts, you…How do I transfer investment accounts after a death?Contact the brokerage or investment firm directly. They will send you their transfer paperwork — usually a death certificate, the account number, a transfer form, and in some cases a medallion signature guarantee. Each firm has its own process. Do not assume…What happens to their stocks and investments?Same rules as bank accounts: joint accounts transfer to the surviving owner, accounts with named beneficiaries transfer directly, accounts with no beneficiary or joint holder go through the estate. For accounts held in a trust, the successor trustee manages the transfer.What if they had a brokerage account I didn't know about?Check their email for statements, their mail for account notices, and their tax returns for dividend or interest income — those will show the institution name. You can also use the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) database to search for…What if money keeps coming into their account after death?Recurring deposits — Social Security, pension payments — must be stopped. Social Security payments for the month of death must be returned. Pension rules vary — contact the plan administrator. Unauthorized receipt of government benefits after death can create legal problems. Notify…What if the bank account has no beneficiary and the estate is large enough to require probate?The executor — once appointed by the court — can open an estate bank account and manage funds through probate. The court issues letters testamentary, which the bank accepts as proof of legal authority. Until then, the account is frozen to unauthorized…How do I open an estate bank account?Once you have letters testamentary from probate court, take them to a bank along with your ID and the death certificate. Ask to open an estate checking account in the name of the estate. This account receives estate income and pays estate…What if I find cash in their home?Document it immediately — photograph it and write down the amount, location, and date found. If you are the executor, this cash is an estate asset and belongs in the estate account. Do not spend it without proper authority. If the amount…What is the right order to pay debts from the estate?California law sets a priority order: (1) funeral and burial expenses, (2) expenses of estate administration, (3) family allowance, (4) debts and taxes with preference under federal law, (5) secured debts, (6) judgments, (7) all other debts. Creditors must file claims within…