Money and accounts
Should I freeze their bank account?
Short answer
Do not freeze it unilaterally — you generally cannot unless you are a joint holder or legal representative. Do notify the bank of the death so it can flag the account. Unauthorized transfers out of a deceased person's account can create legal…
What this usually means
Do not freeze it unilaterally — you generally cannot unless you are a joint holder or legal representative. Do notify the bank of the death so it can flag the account. Unauthorized transfers out of a deceased person's account can create legal problems.
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.