How To Cash A Deceased Person Check
What do I do if I have a check from a deceased person?
When someone dies, their estate is responsible for settling their financial affairs. This can include closing bank accounts, cashing checks, and paying bills.
CheckGuidance is here to help. We provide clear and concise instructions on how to cash a deceased person’s check. Our easy-to-follow guide will walk you through the process step-by-step.
How To Cash A Deceased Person Check
Cashing a deceased person’s check can be challenging, especially if you are unfamiliar with the process. Here is a step-by-step guide to help make the process easier:
Deceased Person Check Cash (Step By Step Guide)
1. Gather required documents – You will need identification papers and other supporting documents such as death certificates. It is important to contact the bank beforehand and ensure that you have all the necessary paperwork to prevent delays in processing your request.
2. Contact local banks – Once you have all your paperwork ready, contact banks in your area and inquire about their procedures for cashing checks from deceased persons. Be aware that some banks may not handle this transaction or may have specific requirements.
3. Bring the check to the bank. Once you know the procedure for cashing a deceased person’s check at a particular bank, take the check along with your identification and other relevant papers to cash it. Be sure to keep copies of everything submitted at the bank, as this information can be useful if there is an issue with cashing the check in future.
4. Complete all paperwork – Depending on the bank’s policy, you may need to fill out certain forms or sign affidavits verifying that all relevant accounts are closed and no further transactions will occur associated with them.
5. Withdraw funds – After completing all paperwork, you may finally be able to withdraw the funds associated with the deceased person’s check
Is It against the Law to Deposit a Check Made Out to a Deceased Person?
It is not necessarily illegal to deposit a check made out to a deceased person. However, certain conditions must be met for the transaction to be legal. Typically, the funds must be deposited into an estate account rather than a regular bank account.
You can only make this deposit if you have legal authority over the estate. Otherwise, it may be considered fraud or other types of financial misconduct.
This means it is important to talk to a lawyer before depositing a check made out to someone who has died.
Can a power of attorney cash a check after death
A power of attorney is a legal document that allows an individual to appoint someone to make decisions on their behalf. This document can authorize another person to handle financial matters, such as cashing checks, while the individual is still alive. But what happens to a power of attorney when the individual passes away? Can a power of attorney cash a check after death?
The answer is no. Once an individual passes away, the power of attorney document is no longer valid. This means that the person appointed to handle the individual’s financial affairs no longer has legal authority.
However, a trustee or executor can still manage the individual’s estate. A trustee is typically appointed in a will or trust document and manages the individual’s assets after death. An executor is typically appointed by the court and is responsible for managing the estate, including paying bills, collecting assets, and distributing the remaining assets to beneficiaries.
Suppose a check is presented for cashing after the individual’s death. In that case, the trustee or executor can present the check to the bank for payment. This will usually require the trustee or executor to provide proof of their identity and the individual’s death. The bank may also require a copy of the power of attorney document or the will or trust document.
In summary, a power of attorney cannot cash a check after death. However, the deceased individual’s estate can still be managed by a trustee or executor who can present the check to the bank for payment.

Afza Ahmad is a freelance writer specializing in finance and banking. With an in-depth knowledge of the industry, she has written extensively on topics ranging from stock market trends to international banking regulations.