When a loved one passes away, beyond the grief comes the complexity of inheritance procedures—especially when it comes to accessing the deceased's bank deposits. Legal experts warn that even spouses or children cannot withdraw funds without completing proper legal steps. Unauthorized withdrawal may not only break the law but also trigger family disputes.

According to the law, once a person dies, their assets become part of the estate and require the consent of all heirs before any withdrawal can be made. No one may sign or access funds under the deceased's name—even a will doesn’t bypass the process. If any heir impersonates the deceased to withdraw funds or sign documents, they could face criminal charges such as document forgery or fraud.To claim an inheritance, a tax clearance certificate is the top priority. (Photo credit: Pexels)

The key to legally accessing a deceased person’s bank account lies in gaining unanimous consent from all heirs. Lawyer Su Chia-Hung of Grace Law Firm recently reminded the public via social media that heirs must first file estate tax declarations with the National Tax Bureau. Once the tax clearance or exemption is obtained, the heirs can jointly submit the necessary documents to the bank for withdrawal. This process ensures fair distribution and protection of all heirs' rights.

In urgent situations like funeral expenses, it's advisable to plan ahead. Preparing a contingency fund in advance and informing trusted family members can help ease financial stress during emotional times.