In today’s conditions, when families are often spread across the world, the issue of inheriting bank deposits becomes especially relevant. After the death of a loved one, heirs face the necessity of arranging inheritance of bank deposits but do not always know how to do it correctly. Does a bank deposit belong to the inheritance property? How can one receive the deposit after the depositor’s death? In this article, we will examine the key aspects, features of locating funds, processing, and payouts, and also offer the services of our law firm to simplify the process. We can assist in arranging bank deposits after death, even if you do not have complete information about the accounts.
According to the Civil Code of Ukraine and the Law “On Banks and Banking Activity,” a bank deposit is part of the inheritance property. Inheritance law stipulates that funds in deposits, current accounts, or other banking products pass to heirs either by will or by law. If there is no will, first-order heirs (children, parents, spouses) have priority.
Important Note: Banks and inheritance are closely connected, but banks are not obliged to automatically notify heirs about the existence of deposits. Therefore, inheritance in a bank may remain “forgotten” if no search is conducted. During martial law (as of 2025), the procedure is simplified: deadlines can be extended, and documents can be submitted remotely.
If the depositor had debts, heirs’ rights to the deposit are limited—part of the funds may be used to settle obligations. Additionally, if the bank is under liquidation, payments are made by the Deposit Guarantee Fund for Individuals.
Searching for Bank Deposits: How to Find “Forgotten” Funds
One of the most challenging steps is locating the funds. Access to the account is blocked by the bank immediately after receiving information about the depositor’s death.
To determine which bank holds the deposit, we recommend:
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Checking the deceased’s documents: bank agreements, statements.
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Contacting the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) with a request regarding accounts (heir status required).
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Sending requests to major banks (PrivatBank, Oschadbank, etc.) with a copy of the death certificate.
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Using services such as the “Unified Debtor Register” to check for liens or arrests.
If the depositor was a non-resident or had accounts abroad, the process becomes more complex—document legalization is required. Our firm specializes in such searches: we check databases, send requests, and locate “forgotten” assets, saving you time.
Processing a Bank Deposit After Death
Inheritance of a deposit follows a clear procedure. The term for accepting inheritance with a notary is six months from the date of the depositor’s death. Missing this deadline requires judicial restoration.
Steps:
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Submitting a Request to a Notary:
Contact any notary at the place of residence of the deceased or where the deposit was opened. Provide the death certificate, proof of relationship, and ID. The notary opens an inheritance case and issues an extract from the inheritance register specifying the deceased and the heir. -
Gathering Documents:
Collect evidence of inheritance rights; assess the deposit (bank statement). If there is a will, verify its authenticity. -
Receiving the Certificate of Inheritance Rights:
After six months, the notary issues the document, which you present to the bank. -
Receiving the Inherited Deposit:
The bank reviews the documents and transfers the funds to the heir’s account. If the deposit is in foreign currency, exchange rate differences should be considered. In complex cases (disputes, debts), the matter may go to court. Payment of the inherited deposit is also possible remotely via power of attorney.
Our Firm’s Services: Comprehensive Inheritance Assistance
Our law firm offers full support in arranging inheritance rights, including bank deposits. We understand how emotionally challenging this process can be, so we handle all the bureaucracy:
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Asset Search: Verification of accounts in banks in Ukraine and abroad.
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Document Preparation: Preparing applications, collecting evidence, representation before the notary and bank.
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Legal Support: Protection of rights in court, tax calculation, and fund distribution.
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Remote Services: For clients abroad – online consultations, electronic signature.
We have already helped thousands of clients avoid mistakes in receiving deposits after the depositor’s death. Contact us, and we will provide a comprehensive consultation and action plan.
Do Not Lose Your Inheritance Rights
Inheriting a bank deposit is not only about money but also about preserving the memory of your loved ones. Do not delay—reach out today to ensure your inheritance rights are properly arranged without unnecessary complications.
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