SAFE DEPOSIT BOXES

Safe Deposit Boxes: Accessing and Managing a Deceased Loved One’s Belongings

When a loved one passes away, gaining access to their safe deposit box can be a vital step in managing their estate. Safe deposit boxes often contain important documents, such as wills, financial records, and valuable personal items. However, accessing a safe deposit box after the owner’s death can require specific legal procedures, and it’s essential to handle this process properly to avoid delays or complications.

At Warshofsky Law, we assist families in navigating the legal requirements for accessing and managing the contents of a deceased person’s safe deposit box in Florida. Our team is here to guide you through the necessary steps.

How to Access a Safe Deposit Box After Death In Florida, there are specific rules regarding access to a safe deposit box following the owner’s death:

• Court Order or Probate Proceedings: In many cases, you will need to obtain a court order or initiate probate proceedings to access the safe deposit box. The personal representative (executor) of the estate, as appointed by the court, is typically the person authorized to access the box.
• Inventory of Contents: Florida law requires that a detailed inventory of the box’s contents be taken, often in the presence of a bank officer or other witnesses. This inventory is then filed with the probate court to ensure proper documentation of all items found.
• Key Requirement: If you do not have the key to the safe deposit box, the bank may require proof of legal authority (such as Letters of Administration) before drilling the box open. 
• Presence of a Will: If a will is located inside the safe deposit box, it must be presented to the court as part of the probate process, and any items in the box may need to be distributed according to the will’s instructions.

Why You Need Legal Assistance Accessing and managing a safe deposit box after death can be more complicated than expected. There are legal requirements to meet, documents to file, and procedures to follow. An experienced probate attorney can:

• Assist in obtaining the necessary court orders or probate documents.
• Ensure that all legal requirements are met for accessing and inventorying the contents.
• Handle any disputes or complications that arise during the process.
• Help with the proper distribution of the contents according to the will or Florida law.

Streamlining the Process At Warshofsky Law, we work with families to simplify the process of accessing a safe deposit box after a loved one’s passing. 

Get Help with Safe Deposit Box Access If you need assistance accessing a deceased loved one’s safe deposit box or managing the estate, contact the offices of Jason Warshofsky at 305-446-1244 or email Michael at Mike@WarshofskyLaw.com to schedule a consultation.