After the death of a father, children are plunged into grief, and financial difficulties can make this crisis even worse. But don’t worry! Even without a nominee, children can legally withdraw money from their deceased father’s bank account. Learn the essential documents needed to simplify this complex process, how to file a claim with the bank, and the crucial role of a Succession Certificate—this information will save you trouble!
What if there’s no nominee
Often, due to busy schedules or a lack of information, people fail to register a nominee on their bank accounts. The absence of a nominee does not necessarily mean that the money will now belong to the bank. According to the law, in the absence of a nominee, the legal heirs of the deceased account holder are the true owners of the account balance. To complete this process, you must maintain complete transparency with the bank and submit all necessary legal evidence.
Legal Documents Required for Withdrawal
You’ll need to gather a few key documents. Preparing these in advance reduces the hassle at the bank. First, you need your father’s official death certificate, which is essential to certify the account holder’s death. Next, your father’s bank account details (passbook or statement) are required to identify the account. You’ll also need to provide a personal identification document that establishes your connection to your father to prove your identity as an heir.
Apart from these, a Succession Certificate, a Family Member Certificate, or a Succession Certificate is crucial to establish legal entitlement. Finally, you’ll need to fill out the Claim Form provided by the bank to file a claim.
The Correct Procedure for Filing a Claim
Once you’ve gathered all the important documents, you should immediately visit the bank branch where your father held the account. First, inform the bank official about your father’s death and ask for a claim form for the legal heir. Fill out the form carefully and submit it along with all the required documents. Some banks also require an affidavit to avoid claim disputes, which must be followed. Ensure that all legal heirs in the family are fully aware of the claim. This can prevent any disputes or legal challenges later.
Succession Certificate
If the claim amount is large and there is no nominee, banks often ask for a succession certificate issued by a civil court. This is because this certificate gives the legal heirs undisputed access to the deceased’s various financial assets (such as bank accounts, deposits, and securities). Obtaining it may take some time, but it gives you undisputed rights to the money.
What to do if there is more than one heir
If there is more than one legal heir, the process becomes a little more complicated. All heirs must apply jointly, or they can authorize one member to receive the amount on their behalf. Banks typically require a consent letter or a no-objection certificate (NOC) from other heirs to process such claims. Maintaining transparency among family members eliminates the possibility of misunderstandings or legal disputes.