Who is entitled to the contents of a safe deposit box?

The contents of a safe deposit box in Illinois are generally subject to probate law. This means that if the owner dies, the contents of the safe deposit box will be distributed according to the terms of their will or the laws of intestate succession if there is no will. Generally, the spouse of the deceased has first rights to the box, followed by any children. If there is a will, the persons listed in it will receive the contents of the safe deposit box, with the remainder going to heirs named in the law or to the state of Illinois if there are no heirs. In some cases, a person who is named on the box may also be entitled to the contents or part of the contents; this may include a joint holder, a trustee, or a beneficiary named on the box. In such a case, the person will need to present a valid identification, a death certificate, and other documentation to the financial institution to receive the contents of the safe deposit box.

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