Jan192026
Probate Q&A Series

Can a financial institution provide statements for multiple deposit and certificate accounts under one probate request? – North Carolina

Short Answer

Yes—under North Carolina estate practice, a financial institution can usually respond to one probate/estate information request by producing statements and account details for multiple deposit and certificate accounts held by the same deceased customer, as long as the request clearly identifies the decedent and the accounts (or asks the institution to search for additional accounts). In practice, banks often still require proof of authority (like certified Letters Testamentary/Letters of Administration) and may insist the personal representative sign the request or a bank-specific authorization. If the institution only sends partial statements, a follow-up request that lists each account and the missing date range typically resolves the issue.

Understanding the Problem

In North Carolina probate administration, the key question is whether a financial institution must treat each deposit account and each term certificate as a separate request, or whether one estate request can cover multiple accounts for the same deceased account holder. The practical issue usually comes up when an estate representative already received some statements, but the institution did not include more recent statements for several accounts. The decision point is whether the request can be consolidated into one package so the estate can obtain complete statements through the most current available date or account closure.

Apply the Law

North Carolina law generally recognizes that a properly appointed personal representative has authority to gather information and marshal estate assets, which includes obtaining bank records needed to identify date-of-death values, interest, and post-death activity. Financial institutions also have confidentiality obligations, so they commonly require documentation showing the requester has legal authority for the estate. As a practical matter, one written request can cover multiple accounts if it is specific enough about what records are requested and ties the request to the estate’s authority.

Key Requirements

  • Proof of authority: The request typically needs certified Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration (or another recognized probate authority document) showing who can act for the estate.
  • Reasonable account identification: The request should list each account (deposit and certificate) and the exact missing statement period, or ask the institution to search its records for additional accounts tied to the decedent.
  • Proper authorization format: Many institutions require the personal representative’s signature (and sometimes a bank form or affidavit) before releasing full statements, even when an attorney is involved.

What the Statutes Say

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: The estate’s representatives already made a request and received statements for an earlier period, which supports that the institution is willing to produce records with proper documentation. The remaining gap is that more recent statements are missing for multiple deposit accounts and term certificate accounts. A single follow-up request can typically cover all of those accounts if it lists each account number (or other identifier), specifies the missing date range, and includes updated proof of the personal representative’s authority (or a personal representative-signed authorization if the institution requires it).

Process & Timing

  1. Who files: The personal representative (often through counsel). Where: Directly to the financial institution’s estate/probate department (not the Clerk of Superior Court). What: A consolidated written request listing each account and the missing statement range, plus certified Letters Testamentary/Letters of Administration and a death certificate copy if requested by the institution. When: As soon as the missing records are identified, because estate inventories, accountings, and creditor/beneficiary administration often depend on complete transaction history.
  2. Follow-up and escalation: If the institution provides only partial records again, a second written demand can narrow the request (by account, date range, and statement type) and ask the institution to confirm in writing whether any accounts were closed, merged, or renumbered.
  3. Resolution: The institution typically produces the remaining statements through the most current available date or the account closure date, and may also provide signature cards and date-of-death balance/interest information if requested.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

  • Institution policy requiring the personal representative’s signature: Some banks will not release full statements to anyone other than the personal representative unless the personal representative signs an authorization directed to the bank.
  • Account identification problems: Certificates and deposit accounts may have been renewed, renumbered, or converted, so a request that only references an old number may miss later statements unless it also asks the institution to search for successor accounts tied to the decedent.
  • Ownership and payable-on-death issues: If an account is joint or has a beneficiary designation, the institution may treat post-death access and record production differently, and may limit what it will provide without additional documentation or clarification of the estate’s interest.

Conclusion

In North Carolina, a financial institution can usually provide statements for multiple deposit and certificate accounts under one consolidated probate request, as long as the request clearly identifies the decedent, lists each account (or asks the institution to search for additional related accounts), and includes proof of the personal representative’s authority. The most common next step is to send a single follow-up letter that itemizes the missing accounts and date ranges and attaches certified Letters Testamentary/Letters of Administration so the institution can release the remaining statements promptly.

Talk to a Probate Attorney

If a financial institution is only providing partial statements for a deceased account holder’s deposit and certificate accounts, our firm has experienced attorneys who can help clarify the proper documentation, scope the request, and keep the estate administration on track. Call us today at (919) 341-7055.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about North Carolina law based on the single question stated above. It is not legal advice for your specific situation and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws, procedures, and local practice can change and may vary by county. If you have a deadline, act promptly and speak with a licensed North Carolina attorney.

Category: Probate Q&A Series

Author: Pierce Law

Pierce Law Group is a North Carolina law firm focused on probate administration, real estate partition matters, and surplus funds claims across North Carolina. We know these situations often come with stress, family dynamics, and time-sensitive decisions—so we prioritize clear communication, steady guidance, and a practical plan from day one. Our goal is to make a complicated process feel manageable, while protecting what matters most to you.