Hello all,

One of our customers just died, he had a safe deposit box at one of our branches with no other signers on it. Can we drill the box open? is that legal? what are the right procedures in this situation?
I am in NJ and I know every state has different rules. I don't want to make a mistake and have the bank be liable for it.

Thank you to everyone that can help me with this.

I believe the correct procedure is to wait until someone comes in with legal documentation (e.g., appointment as executor) that will entitle them to have the account drilled. I'm hoping this is regardless of the state (we are in NM).

If they don't, then we would just wait until the escheatment period is over, drill the box, and send record of contents to the state.

Also check your states statutes/banking regulations that may give guidance.