FURTHER EXPLANATION · 2 MIN READ
Why does the bank block the accounts?
After a death, the family or the notary informs the banks. The bank blocks the personal accounts and, in many cases, the joint accounts as well. This protects the interests of all heirs and prevents anyone from withdrawing money before it is clear who is entitled to the estate. Direct debits linked to the deceased person’s account are also stopped.
This block does not make every payment impossible. Certain urgent funeral costs are treated as priority costs. The bank can pay these invoices directly with funds in the deceased person’s account, even before the estate has been fully settled. The money is therefore not first released to a family member.
Which costs and documents are relevant?
The official information sheet mentions the funeral or cremation and the funeral service, transport of the deceased person, death notices and a burial plot concession. These are examples of costs the bank may pay directly. The bank assesses the actual invoice and may ask for additional information. Do not assume that every cost arising after the death will be paid automatically.
Provide at least the invoice and the death certificate. Ask the bank in advance whether it needs any other documents and where they should be sent. Keep a copy for the inheritance tax return as well. Funeral costs are debts of the estate and, within the applicable rules, can be deducted when inheritance tax is calculated.
Paying does not automatically mean accepting
According to the information sheet, paying only the funeral costs does not mean that you accept the estate. This matters when it is not yet clear whether the deceased person had more assets than debts. That payment alone does not remove your choice to accept the estate, reject it or accept it subject to an inventory.
Other actions may be regarded as tacit, unconditional acceptance. Examples include selling an asset from the estate, collecting rent or terminating a tenant’s lease. Such acceptance can be final and can also have consequences for debts. Do not make an irreversible decision while the contents of the estate are still unknown.
What can you prepare in practical terms?
Put the death certificate, the funeral invoices, the bank’s details and the first information about assets and debts in one folder. Ask the bank which invoices it can pay directly. Under certain conditions, the surviving spouse or legally cohabiting partner can also receive an advance for living expenses, limited to half the balance in current and savings accounts and a maximum of 5.000 euros.
Notariaat Wellens can then help release the accounts, identify the heirs, prepare the return and explain the available choices where debts are involved. Bring the account information and invoices you have. The office can then indicate what can be paid now and which decision still needs to wait.