Why Won’t My Deceased Father’s Bank Honor His Last Will and Provide Account Access?

Banks do not accept a Last Will and Testament document as proof to provide access to funds in an account for obvious reasons.

First, anyone can create a Last Will document.

Second, a Will does not prove the death of the account holder.

After death, banks typically require an official death certificate from the County to release an account’s assets.

Then they typically make the release of the account assets only to the Probate Court or the Executor.

The Will’s Executor must settle any outstanding debts (like a Visa bill) before paying out to the beneficiaries.