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From: ajs@hpfcla.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.consumers
Subject: Re: Safe Deposit Boxes
Message-ID: <42000002@hpfcla.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 16-Jul-84 17:31:00 EDT
Article-I.D.: hpfcla.42000002
Posted: Mon Jul 16 17:31:00 1984
Date-Received: Sat, 28-Jul-84 06:37:03 EDT
References: <1056@ihuxq.UUCP>
Organization: Hewlett-Packard - Fort Collins, CO
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Nf-ID: #R:ihuxq:-105600:hpfcla:42000002:000:1004
Nf-From: hpfcla!ajs    Jul 24 16:31:00 1984

> In Texas, safe deposit boxes are sealed by the bank as soon
> as they know of the box-holder's demise...

In Colorado (a remarkably  sane state), the box is "sealed",  but can be
opened without much ado for a "will search", according to my lawyer.  It
is only  necessary  that a bank  officer be present  and that you show a
copy of a death  certificate.  Furthermore, boxes held in joint name are
apparently not sealed if only one of the owners dies.

It's still a good idea to route  copies of wills  elsewhere,  such as to
the  executor(s),  fiduciar(ies),  guardian(s),  and/or  beneficiar(ies)
named  therein.  My  understanding  is that the copies are *not* legally
acceptable,  however,  unless you can find at least one of the witnesses
who signed the original, and they testify in favor.  (I'd hope that most
of the time, if your will is  carefully  worded  and your  beneficiaries
amiable, it really wouldn't matter anyway.)

Alan Silverstein, {ihnp4 | hplabs}!hpfcla!ajs, 303-226-3800 x3053