New York State executor denied access to decease's electronic bank records prior to his death.

[help911]

Jurisdiction

New York

I was appointed administrator of my brother's estate and opened an estate bank account with the main bank where he did his personal and business banking. Because he was on electronic monthly statements I was not able to confirm whether payments were not made to certain individuals. I requested access to his monthly bank statements, but was told I was only aloud access to statements after his death. Is this correct?

 

[zddoodah]

I was appointed administrator of my brother's estate

Please explain exactly what this means. I suspect you haven't used the terminology correctly.

 

[Red Kayak]

I was appointed administrator of my brother's estate and opened an estate bank account with the main bank where he did his personal and business banking. Because he was on electronic monthly statements I was not able to confirm whether payments were not made to certain individuals. I requested access to his monthly bank statements, but was told I was only aloud access to statements after his death. Is this correct?

So, your brother is deceased, and you aren't being allowed access to bank statements prior to his death, and he didn't save/print out the statements before dying?

 

[adjusterjack]

was told I was only aloud access to statements after his death.

Not clear whether your brother is still alive or not.

If not, you will have to go to the NY Surrogate and get "letters testimentary" which will give you the court's authorization to represent/administer the estate. With those papers you'll be able to get access to his accounts.

If he is still alive you will need him to give you Power of Attorney or the bank may have their own forms for him to sign giving you the access to his accounts.

 

[help911]

So, your brother is deceased, and you aren't being allowed access to bank statements prior to his death, and he didn't save/print out the statements before dying?

This is correct.