Yes. In the UK, withdrawing money from a deceased person’s bank account without legal authority is considered fraud or theft, even if you were close to the deceased or they "would have wanted you to have it."
Once a bank is notified of a person’s death, the account is frozen, and only the executor (if there is a will) or administrator (if there is no will) can legally access funds.
Taking money from a deceased person's account without permission can result in:
If found guilty, penalties can include:
Beneficiaries of the estate can take legal action to recover the stolen funds, leading to:
You can legally access a deceased person’s bank account only if:
✅ You are the joint account holder (funds automatically transfer to you).
✅ You are the executor or administrator and have obtained probate or letters of administration.
✅ The bank allows access for essential payments like funeral costs.
At Fraser Bond, we assist with probate, estate administration, and inheritance disputes. If you need help accessing a deceased person’s funds legally or dealing with estate-related financial matters, our experts provide professional guidance.
Avoid legal risks—speak to Fraser Bond for expert guidance on estate management, probate, and lawful access to funds.