If a person has died, how do I know if I can manage the deceased account?

Who ASB may deal with about the bank accounts of a deceased customer will depend on whether the deceased person had prepared a will. If a will had been prepared then bank account matters can be dealt with by the executors named in the will.

If there was no will then a person is said to have died ‘intestate’. In this case, the Next of Kin may be required to apply to the High Court for appointment as administrator under a grant of Letters of Administration. The administrator is required to distribute the estate amongst close relatives according to fixed rules set out in the Administration Act. In this case, bank account matters can be dealt with by the administrator or, if Letters of Administration are not being sought, the Next of Kin.

For further information, view our online Deceased Estates brochure.

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