Must I remove my deceased husband's name from my bank accounts? To do so, my bank says I must close the accounts and open new ones.
Assuming that the accounts were jointly owned by your late husband and you, the actual ownership of the accounts was transferred to you alone by operation of law immediately upon his death. Most banks wait a respectable interval before asking the surviving owner to complete the paperwork to bring the bank's records current.
Many banks allow the simple removal of a deceased joint owner's name after obtaining a copy of the death certificate and current identification documentation (Social Security number, etc.) from the surviving co-owner. if it's not already on file, along with an updated signature card. Others have a policy of requiring that a new account be opened and the old account closed.
Your bank should provide you assistance in making a smooth transition to the new account, including updating any ATM or debit card record to make it link to the new account, arranging for changes in any direct deposit payment (such as Social Security or other retirement payments) and anything else that might be connected to the old account. Often, banks that require that a new account be opened will arrange for a free first order of checks for the new account.
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Assuming that the accounts were jointly owned by your late husband and you, the actual ownership of the accounts was 