My grandfather died and then my uncle died less than a month ago. Both their names were on an account that was left with a little under $10,000 in it. Although my mother has death certificates and the account information, the bank won't give her access. What can she do?
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One of two things can happen. It appears that the account is now in your uncle's name. In some states, a bank can pay out a small account directly to a next of kin. What qualifies as small varies from state to state and some states have no provision at all. Your uncle's next of kin can contact the bank and ask whether such a provision is available in that state and for that account balance. If it's possible, the bank can provide details on how to proceed.
If that option isn't available, the bank can only deal with whoever is appointed the personal representative of your uncle's estate. That means that the probate court will examine a Will or will otherwise determine who will be the executor or administrator of the estate. That individual will have to present a certified copy of his or her court appointment to the bank in order to claim the account for the estate. Then the account will have to be used to settle the estate's liabilities, if any, and finally distributed according to state law.
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One of two things can happen. It appears that the account is now in your uncle's name. In some states, a bank can pay out a small account directly to a next of kin. What qualifies as small varies from state to state and some states have no provision at all. Your uncle's next of kin can contact the bank and ask whether such a provision is available in that state and for that account balance. If it's possible, the bank can provide details on how to proceed.