How do I deposit a check made out to a deceased person?

Asked by: Adaline Altenwerth  |  Last update: December 1, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (64 votes)

If you received checks for someone who died, you'll need to go through the probate process in order to deposit them into an account or cash them. This may require being named as the executor or administrator of the estate, or getting the check signed by someone who is authorized to do so on behalf of the estate.

How do you endorse a check made out to a deceased person?

(i) An executor or administrator indorsing any such check must include, as part of the indorsement, an indication of the capacity in which the executor or administrator is indorsing. An example would be: “John Jones by Mary Jones, executor of the estate of John Jones.”

Can I deposit a deceased person's check?

While you can't "cash" a check written to the deceased, you can deposit it into their account. Contact an estate attorney early on. They can help you understand more thoroughly what you need to do.

What do you do with uncashed checks when someone dies?

The only legal thing you can do is go to the bank where the estate account for the deceased person is set up and have the cheque deposited. Estate accounts can accept deposits; they just won't process any withdrawals.

Can I deposit a check that is not in my name?

Call your bank and explain that you intend to deposit a check that has been made payable to someone else. Ask what you need to have them write on the back of the check, and be sure to ask if you both need to be present to deposit it.

How To Deposit A Check Made Out To A Deceased Loved One?

36 related questions found

Can I deposit someone else's check in my account?

Depositing someone else's check to your bank account may be possible if your bank or credit union permits it, but there are risks involved. Depositing a check that bounces could lead to bank fees. If your other payments fall through due to non-sufficient funds, there could be late fees too.

Does the name on a check have to match a bank account?

If the name matches exactly, or the name is a close match - the payer is asked to confirm the name is correct and can then proceed to make payment. If the name does not match, the payer is usually asked to check the name and try again.

What happens if a cheque is issued in the name of a deceased person?

If you received checks for someone who died, you'll need to go through the probate process in order to deposit them into an account or cash them. This may require being named as the executor or administrator of the estate, or getting the check signed by someone who is authorized to do so on behalf of the estate.

How long is a check good for after someone dies?

Uncashed checks issued prior to death in a decedent's name alone which are still negotiable (typically 180 days) can be negotiated by the executor of the decedent's estate.

How to get money owed to a deceased person?

Once we have a personal representative appointed, we now have an individual who has the authority to collect a debt that is owed to the decedent. The personal representative who is once appointed is able to collect the debt the same as the decedent was able to collect the debt before they passed away.

Can you deposit money into a deceased person's bank account?

Yes, you can technically send money into a deceased person's bank account, if the account is still unfrozen. This is because banks freeze a person's bank account once they are notified and provided proof of their death. Nonetheless, sending money into a deceased person's bank account is not recommended.

How to prove there is no estate?

If your husband died owning no property solely in his name, it likely means there was no legal estate (and no resulting probate or administration action required). There is no need to "prove" this formally to a Court or otherwise; you just will not need to do a formal proceeding.

Do you have to open an estate account when someone dies?

Once you've been appointed as the personal representative of a loved one's estate, you should open an estate checking account. An estate checking account serves as a temporary account to manage the estate's financial affairs.

What not to do when someone dies?

What Not to Do When Someone Dies: 10 Common Mistakes
  1. Not Obtaining Multiple Copies of the Death Certificate.
  2. 2- Delaying Notification of Death.
  3. 3- Not Knowing About a Preplan for Funeral Expenses.
  4. 4- Not Understanding the Crucial Role a Funeral Director Plays.
  5. 5- Letting Others Pressure You Into Bad Decisions.

How to deposit a check for a deceased person to a joint account?

Can checks payable to the deceased person be deposited into the joint account? The joint account should be renamed for the surviving owner. Checks payable to the decedent should be deposited in the estate account.

Who gets the tax refund of a deceased person?

If you file a return and claim a refund for a deceased taxpayer, you must be: A surviving spouse/RDP. A surviving relative. The sole beneficiary.

How do you handle a check made out to a deceased person?

A check made out to the deceased or their estate is typically estate property and should be deposited into the estate account, not your own personal bank account. An estate account is a temporary bank account that holds an estate's money.

Can I deposit a 2 year old check?

Personal checks

With the personal check, if the check hasn't been cashed after 180 days or six months, it will be considered invalid.

How long do you have to keep bank statements after someone dies?

Typically, you're advised to keep financial statements for three to seven years. This provides an appropriate amount of time necessary to settle a deceased person's estate, address possible legal or financial obligations, resolving disputes, and filing tax returns.

What happens if a person dies after issuing a cheque?

Cheque of a deceased depositor cannot be paid

A cheque, which has been issued by a person but presented by the drawee after his death, cannot be paid by the bank. On the death of the drawer of a cheque, the cheque issued by him ceases to be a valid cheque.

How long can a house stay in a deceased person's name?

If the property needs to go through the probate court process, the house can stay in a decedent's name until the probate process has been completed and ownership of the property has been transferred.

Can you still withdraw money from a joint account if one person dies?

Most joint bank or credit union accounts are held with “rights of survivorship.” This means that when one account owner dies, the money passes to the surviving owner, or equally to the rest of the owners if there are multiple people on the account.

Can I deposit someone else's check into their account?

If someone asks you to deposit a check on their behalf, they could simply endorse the back and hand it over to you. However, just signing the back is the least secure way to have someone else deposit a check. Unless the check specifically says, “For Deposit Only,” the person who receives it can cash it.

Can I mobile deposit a check that is not in my name?

Typically, yes, but you'll want to check with your bank to make sure. Banks that allow you to deposit a check written for someone else (called a third-party check) will generally require the person to whom the check is made out to, called the payee, to sign the check over to you.

Does a check with two names need both signatures?

Checks issued to two people together, such as Pat and Chris Doe, generally need to be signed by both people before the bank or credit union cashes the check or deposits the money. Checks issued to Pat or Chris Doe can generally be signed by either person.