[WSBAPT] Estate access to co-owned safe deposit box

[Jennifer L White]

Banks – the Walmart of finance…. ☹
It will probably take less of your time to prep a simple order directing them to open that box than to continue beating your head against the thick bank wall of ignorance.

Jennifer L. White, Esq.
[cid:image001.jpg at 01D8B253.3F4B2A70]

jen at appletreelaw.com<mailto:jen at appletreelaw.com>
PO Box 11037
Yakima, WA 98909
509.225.9813

From: wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com <wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com> On Behalf Of Jeff at bellanddavispllc.com
Sent: Wednesday, August 17, 2022 3:42 PM
To: 'WSBA Probate & Trust Listserv' <wsbapt at lists.wsbarppt.com>
Subject: Re: [WSBAPT] Estate access to co-owned safe deposit box

Eric,

I feel your pain.  If possible, try talking with the branch manager.  The PR has a right to collect the decedent’s stuff, including what’s in the bank box.  The other option is trying to find an outside counsel for Chase, who you can lead you to the right in-house counsel to resolve the matter.  I am not sure how you get a court order to require the bank to give you access.  I guess you could serve the bank manager with the motion for an order requiring the bank to provide access; and ask for terms.

Jeff

W. Jeff Davis
BELL & DAVIS PLLC
Attorneys at Law
P.O. Box 510
720 E. Washington Street, Suite 105
Sequim WA 98382
Phone: (360) 683.1129
Fax: (360) 683.1258
email: jeff at bellanddavispllc.com<mailto:jeff at bellanddavispllc.com>
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From: wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com<mailto:wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com> <wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com<mailto:wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com>> On Behalf Of Eric Nelsen
Sent: Wednesday, August 17, 2022 3:19 PM
To: WSBA Probate & Trust Listserv <wsbapt at lists.wsbarppt.com<mailto:wsbapt at lists.wsbarppt.com>>
Subject: [WSBAPT] Estate access to co-owned safe deposit box

Decedent and decedent’s sister are both named on a safe deposit box in Seattle at Chase Bank. The living sister is 90+ years old, infirm, and lives in another state. The PR has the key, has Letters Testamentary, and wants access—and Chase is telling him he needs either a court order or written permission from the sister.

I have never encountered this problem. The decedent never needed permission to access their own sd box; why should the PR? Am I missing something? Am I blinded by my usual rage at the endless bank bureaucracy that never allows me to talk to the legal department but insists that their stupid position be transmitted to me via a hapless and innocent teller?

Sincerely,

Eric

Eric C. Nelsen
Sayre Law Offices, PLLC
1417 31st Ave South
Seattle WA 98144-3909
206-625-0092
eric at sayrelawoffices.com<mailto:eric at sayrelawoffices.com>

Covid-19 Update - All attorneys are working remotely during regular business hours and are available via email and by phone. Videoconferencing also is available. Signing of estate planning documents can be completed and will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Please direct mail and deliveries to the Seattle office.

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