If the owner of an account originally based in New Jersey is now deceased, how do I claim or close the account?

All accounts opened in New Jersey require an Original or Certified Death Certificate and Surrogate’s certificate, along with a notarized request to release funds. The state of New Jersey requires banks to hold one half of the date of death balance.

Once we receive the NJ Inheritance Tax Waiver or an Affidavit of Waiver (Form L-8 for lineal heirs), we’ll release the remaining balance. A copy of the Last Will and Testament must also be submitted to the state of New Jersey when filing on an individual account.

Please mail certified documents to:

Life Events – Decedent Team

MA-CPK-COP-B1

P.O. Box 84100

Boston, MA 02284

Please note that when it comes to Certificates of Deposit held in the name of a decedent, there is no penalty for withdrawals prior to maturity (per Openbank policy).

For more details, we’ve put together a simple 4-step guide to take you through this process.