Bank Accounts and Financial Institutions
What if the bank account has no beneficiary and the estate is large enough to require probate?
Short answer
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…
What this usually means
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 access.
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.