Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in California
How do I get my mother's will out of her safe deposit box?
My mother passed away unexpectedly 2 days ago. My sisters and I are named as beneficiaries to her bank accounts and investments, but we did not find a will and suspect it is in her safe deposit at her bank. How can we get access to her safe deposit box so we can read her will as to the rest of her property?
Asked on 4/23/03, 12:49 pm
1 Answer from Attorneys
Chris Johnson
Christopher B. Johnson, Attorney at Law
Re: How do I get my mother's will out of her safe deposit box?
If you have the key, the bank should let you open the box only for the purpose of determining whether there's a will or other estate planning documents inside. If there is, you can remove it after the bank makes a copy, and file it with the court in the county where she lived.
Answered on 4/23/03, 12:58 pm