Bank Accounts and Financial Institutions
The bank won't let me access the account. What do I do?
Short answer
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 this usually means
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 a POD account, bring a certified death certificate. If neither, you need either letters testamentary from probate court or a California small estate affidavit (if the account balance is under $208,850 for deaths on or after April 1, 2025 — $184,500 applied for earlier deaths — and 40 days have passed).
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county help for coroner contacts, vital records, cost tools, and paperwork.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.