Legal heirs can claim a deceased person's bank deposits by following the bank's procedure for settlement of the deceased customer's account. The process generally depends on whether the deceased had a nominee, a joint account holder, or a valid will.
Typically, the claimant must submit documents such as the death certificate, identity and address proof, the bank's claim form, and documents establishing their legal entitlement. If a nominee is registered, the bank may release the deposit to the nominee after completing the required verification. However, a nominee generally acts as a recipient or trustee for the legal heirs and does not necessarily become the ultimate owner of the money merely because their name is registered as nominee.
If there is no nominee, the bank may require a legal heir certificate, succession certificate, probate, letters of administration, or other appropriate documents, depending on the circumstances and the bank's requirements. Where there is a dispute among heirs or the amount involved is substantial, the bank may require a court-issued document before releasing the funds.
Legal heirs should therefore approach the concerned bank branch, submit the required documents, and follow its deceased-claim settlement procedure. If there are multiple heirs, the bank may also require appropriate declarations, consent, or other documentation from the heirs before settlement.
