When a loved one passes away, family members face numerous administrative tasks, including handling their bank accounts. Banks immediately freeze the deceased's personal accounts upon notification. What follows? How do heirs access funds? What about joint accounts with a surviving spouse? Learn the key steps to unblock and close accounts in this comprehensive guide.
Upon death, banks automatically freeze the deceased's individual accounts and prepare an accounting statement detailing assets as of the date of death. This supports tax filings and estate settlement. Personal accounts become inaccessible—even to relatives with prior powers of attorney. Joint accounts, however, remain available to the surviving spouse, though balances are split equally, with half included in the estate.
Heirs must first complete death registrations and notify relevant organizations to close ongoing files or claim benefits. Only then can they address bank matters. Procedures vary by account type. If unaware of all accounts, consult the notary handling the estate, who can access the FICOBA registry—a comprehensive list of bank accounts, balances, and holders maintained by the Banque de France.
Once notified by family or the succession notary, the bank freezes the deceased's individual accounts, including checking, savings, and term deposits. No withdrawals or deposits are allowed, except up to €5,000 for funeral expenses.
Powers of attorney become invalid upon freezing. The balance is held for estate distribution and remains inaccessible until heirs receive their shares.
Joint accounts with a spouse depend on the agreement at opening, but typically:
The surviving spouse cannot freely use the full balance—it's halved, with the deceased's share entering the estate. Unauthorized use requires repayment to protect heirs' interests. The balance is assessed as of the death date.
For overdrawn joint accounts, the spouse bears sole responsibility.
The spouse may use only their own bank card; the deceased's is deactivated. Heirs can challenge post-death transactions and seek reimbursement if deemed improper.
Indivisé accounts require all co-holders' consent for transactions. On a co-holder's death, the bank freezes it fully, incorporating the balance—positive or negative—into the estate.
Securities can be sold post-death only with all heirs' agreement and signatures. Any management mandates from the deceased are revoked.
Safes are sealed like personal accounts. Access requires all heirs or representatives present, with proof of heir status. Contents join the estate and cannot be removed individually.
Heirs can claim funds by proving status via inheritance certificate (for simple successions under €5,000), full heir certificates, or a notarial deed (for larger amounts).
Accounts remain open during settlement. Post-settlement, heirs or the spouse request closure via registered mail to the branch director. Act promptly to avoid maintenance fees—no strict deadline applies.
