Shawn Breyer
Wondering how to claim deceased bank accounts in Georgia?
When someone you love dies, handling their money can be tough.
One important task is claiming any bank accounts they had.
The process can be different depending on:
This guide explains how to claim deceased bank accounts in Georgia.
Probate can be confusing and stressful. Incorrectly filled-out probate petitions can cause delays, rejections, and added stress. We will fill out your petition for you (for FREE).
Fill out the form to have us fill out your petition for you (at no charge). We can only offer 5 free petitions per week, so act fast to secure your spot and avoid the hassle of probate.
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How it’s set up determines how to claim deceased bank accounts.
You will either:
Bank accounts can be either probate or non-probate assets.
Probate assets are those that are given out according to a will or Georgia law if there is no will.
Non-probate assets go directly to a beneficiary without going through probate.
Whether a bank account is probate or non-probate depends on how it was set up.
If the deceased had a joint account, the surviving person usually becomes the sole owner automatically.
If it was a Payable-on-Death (POD) account, the named beneficiary can claim the funds without probate.
To access these funds, you’ll need the death certificate and identification.
There are two scenarios to claim a deceased bank account:
Here are some common questions and situations we encounter with clients.
Taking money from a deceased person’s account in Georgia without permission is illegal.
It is considered theft.
The punishment can include criminal charges, fines, and possible jail time.
The severity of the punishment depends on the amount of money taken.
The person may also have to return the stolen money and face civil lawsuits from the rightful heirs.
When someone dies without a beneficiary on their bank account in Georgia, the account typically becomes part of their estate.
The funds in the account will be handled through the probate process.
If the deceased had a will, the executor will manage the account according to the will’s instructions.
If there is no will, Georgia’s intestacy laws decide who inherits the money.
Before the funds are distributed, any debts or taxes owed by the estate must be paid.
The probate court oversees this process to ensure everything is handled properly.
To find out if you are a beneficiary on a bank account in Georgia, follow these steps:
Are you overwhelmed trying to figure out how to claim deceased bank accounts in Georgia?
Our probate attorneys handle everything for you.
We specialize in taking as much as possible off your plate so that you are not:
Fill out the form to get a have us fill out your Petition for FREE.
Probate can be confusing and stressful. Incorrectly filled-out probate petitions can cause delays, rejections, and added stress. We will fill out your petition for you (for FREE).
Fill out the form to have us fill out your petition for you (at no charge). We can only offer 5 free petitions per week, so act fast to secure your spot and avoid the hassle of probate.
"*" indicates required fields
Our Georgia probate lawyers work remotely, so you don’t have to visit an office. Here are all the counties we serve in Georgia.
