This is probably a stupid question. These checks were intended to be a graduation gift towards me. I'm bummed out that I only now just remembered about them. I'm assuming that they would be invalid now that she is long gone, is that correct?
Upon cleaning my closet, I found old checks from my grandmother, who has been deceased for four years now. Would these checks be invalid to cash now?
byu/m4_pt2 inpersonalfinance
Posted by m4_pt2
6 Comments
Banks are unlikely to accept checks that old, and it’s very unlikely that the account they are drawn on is still open four years after her death. If you want to pursue it, you need to talk to whoever got control of her account when she passed.
Banks give unclaimed funds to the state after years of people not accessing their accounts and if the bank is unable to contact them or a named beneficiary. The process is known as escheatment. It can take ten years depending on the state so contact the bank and ask.
Most checks are only good for about 6 months. Her account is likely long shut down so there’s no account to cash from at this point.
Yes, her account was closed a long time ago. Those checks are no longer valid.
That account is probably closed so the bank wouldn’t be able to honor the checks even if they were inclined to do so.
Is the person responsible for her estate/assets a family member? The checks may not be valid, but if you explain the situation you may still be able to work something out. The checks do reflect your grandmother’s wishes, at least.