On this episode of the will I give you two ways to get a will out of a safety deposit box…
Getting a will out of a safety deposit box may seem like an impossible task.
You are hitting roadblock after roadblock.
The bank is telling you no, you access the contents, even though you know the will you need to help with everything is inside of that safety deposit box.
Today, I’m going to tell you how to get a will out of a safety deposit box.
Option 1 For Getting a Will Out Of A Safety Deposit Box: Ask
Believe it or not I’ve had clients have success just going to the bank manager and asking if they can have access to the safety deposit box if they show a copy of the death certificate.
Keep in mind that this is NOT supposed to happen, so you can’t have a lot of high hopes here.
All you can do is smile your best smile, tell your best story about how much getting the will out of the safety deposit box is going to help, and see what happens.
Oh, if you have an old copy of a will and the death certificate that will go a long way toward success using this option.
If that doesn’t work, then you fall back on option 2.
Option 2 For Getting a Will Out Of A Safety Deposit Box
Option 2 for getting a will out of a safety deposit box is the way that absolutely will work – but it’s more expensive and time consuming.
That way is to file a petition with the court.
A petition is essentially a lawsuit against the person who just died. It allows the court to hear the case and make a decision on your request.
If the court agrees with you they will issue an order to open the safety deposit box to get the will (and ONLY the will – important point here).
It’s more expensive because an estate planning lawyer needs to help you with this, but it will work.
If you find yourself in this position, good luck. Don’t be frustrated. There are options that will work. You just have to get started on them.
Christopher Small is a Seattle estate planning lawyer who helps people get rich and live forever. He is also the owner of CMS Law Firm LLC.
P.S. Don’t forget to check out my free ebook: “7 Estate Planning Mistakes Every Family Needs to Avoid.” It’s packed full of helpful information to help you get everything you want out of life (and after life).
