Practice Tip: Check your county’s local website to see if there are any specific rules or other forms that need to be filled out. Pursuant to this article, an individual should go to the Court in the County where Decedent died and request a Petition to open the box. In New York, Surrogate’s Court Procedures Act Section 2001 sets forth the rules regarding opening Safe Deposit Boxes. Obtain Permission from the Court to Open a Safe Deposit Box After Death Banks may be reluctant to respond but be persistent – ask to speak with the branch manager and advise the branch manager that you are the Decedent’s personal representative/spouse/beneficiary and need to know for purposes of obtaining a Court Order whether Decedent had a safe deposit box.
If you are not able to do so, contact financial institutions near Decedent residence or last known place of business. Look through the Decedent’s papers and speak with people familiar with the Decedent’s financial affairs. Identify the location of the Box You Believe to Be holding Decedent’s Assets So You Can Open a Safe Deposit Box After Death Here’s how to Open a Safe Deposit Box After Death NYC:
