How can I get information on my sibling’s frozen bank and investment accounts during probate? - Pennsylvania
The Short Answer
In Pennsylvania, banks and brokerages typically will not release meaningful account information to a sibling just because you are family. In most cases, the person who can obtain statements, balances, and other details is the court-appointed personal representative (executor/administrator) acting under Letters issued by the Register of Wills.
What Pennsylvania Law Says
During probate, the estate’s personal representative is responsible for identifying, taking control of, and administering the decedent’s assets. That includes gathering information needed to inventory and value accounts, and then properly paying debts and distributing what remains. If you are not the appointed personal representative, financial institutions often will refuse to discuss the account beyond very limited confirmation, because they face liability for disclosing information to the wrong person.
The Statute
The primary law governing this issue is 20 Pa.C.S. § 3311.
This statute establishes that the personal representative has the right to take possession of and administer the decedent’s personal estate—authority that is commonly required by banks and investment firms before they will release account information or permit access.
Related reading: What documents banks require to release a deceased person’s account records in Pennsylvania and how to apply for probate and Letters Testamentary in Pennsylvania.
Why You Should Speak with an Attorney
While the statute provides the general rule, applying it to your specific situation is rarely simple. Legal outcomes often depend on:
- Strict Deadlines: The personal representative has statutory duties tied to estate administration and inventory timing, and delays can create disputes or court involvement. For example, Pennsylvania requires a verified inventory and allows interested parties to request an earlier filing in certain circumstances. See 20 Pa.C.S. § 3301(c).
- Burden of Proof: If an account has a payable-on-death beneficiary, joint owner, or transfer-on-death registration, it may not be a probate asset at all—yet the estate may still need records to confirm what happened and to address tax and creditor issues.
- Exceptions: If no one has been appointed yet (or if there is conflict among family members), getting the right person appointed and obtaining the right Letters can be contested. Also, if there is no Pennsylvania administration and a foreign fiduciary is involved, different rules may apply for Pennsylvania financial institutions. See 20 Pa.C.S. § 4102.
Trying to handle this alone can lead to unnecessary stonewalling by financial institutions, missed assets, or disputes that end up in Orphans’ Court. A probate attorney can quickly identify who has legal authority, what documents the institution should accept, and how to respond if an executor is not cooperating or if you suspect assets are being hidden.
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.