How Can I Obtain Bank Records and Signature Cards of a Deceased Person in North Carolina? - Pennsylvania
The Short Answer
In Pennsylvania, banks typically will not release a deceased person’s account records (including signature cards) to family members just because they are next of kin. In most cases, you need legal authority—usually letters testamentary or letters of administration—showing you are the court-recognized personal representative of the estate, or you must obtain the records through a formal legal process.
What Pennsylvania Law Says
As a practical matter, financial institutions generally require proof that the person requesting records has authority to act for the estate. Pennsylvania law recognizes that a properly appointed fiduciary (personal representative) has powers to deal with a decedent’s bank accounts, and banks are more likely to cooperate when presented with court-issued documentation rather than informal requests from relatives.
The Statute
The primary law governing this issue is 20 Pa.C.S. § 4102.
This statute establishes that a fiduciary (including, in certain situations, a foreign fiduciary) has the powers of a similar Pennsylvania fiduciary with respect to money deposited in a financial institution located in Pennsylvania, once the required proof of appointment is provided.
Depending on the situation, there are also limited circumstances where a bank may release smaller amounts to certain family members for funeral-related purposes without a full estate administration. See 20 Pa.C.S. § 3101.
For more background, you may also find helpful: What documents banks require to release a deceased person’s account records in Pennsylvania.
Why You Should Speak with an Attorney
While the statutes provide the general framework, getting bank records and signature cards in the real world often turns on details the bank cares about (account ownership type, beneficiary designations, pending disputes, and whether there is an open estate). Legal outcomes often depend on:
- Strict Documentation Requirements: Banks commonly insist on certified letters (and sometimes additional affidavits) before releasing records—especially signature cards, which are often requested in fraud/undue influence disputes.
- Burden of Proof: If the request is tied to a challenge (for example, suspected forged checks or suspicious withdrawals), you may need to show why the records are relevant and properly authorized, not just that you are an heir.
- Exceptions and Account Types: Joint accounts, payable-on-death (POD) accounts, trust accounts, and out-of-state institutions can change who has rights to information and what process applies.
Trying to handle this alone can lead to delays, denials by the bank, or missteps that hurt your position if a probate dispute is developing. A probate attorney can identify the correct authority to present (or the correct legal mechanism to compel production) and keep the request aligned with Pennsylvania estate rules.
Get Connected with a Pennsylvania Attorney
Do not leave your legal outcome to chance. We can connect you with a pre-screened Probate attorney in Pennsylvania to discuss your specific facts and options.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information under Pennsylvania law and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change frequently. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult with a licensed attorney.