Q: What is the waiting period for a deceased persons bank funds to be released to the heir in AL with affidavit of heirship
Filed affidavit of heirship notarized with death certificate with the bank and they say they're holding for 60 days... Doesn't seem correct... What is the current waiting period in Alabama?
A:
It is actually 60 days. The affidavit for small accounts is governed by the banking code. The relevant section is below:
“Section 5-5A-39
Disposition of small deposits of deceased person - Time for payment; when payment prohibited.
No payment shall be made pursuant to Section 5-5A-38 by the bank before the lapse of 60 days from the date of the death of the deceased, and no payment shall be made by the bank under this section if letters testamentary or of administration have been issued to a personal representative or a proceeding is pending in the court in this state which would have jurisdiction of the administration of the estate. The bank shall be fully protected by requiring an affidavit by some reputable citizen as to the facts specified.“
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
