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In most states, including California, when any one on a safety deposit box signature list dies, the box is considered sealed until the court allows it to be released. This includes even the other signators on the list. If a signer knows that someone has died and opens the box ( they are clocked/dated at the bank) before the bank is notified and has it sealed, they are in trouble with the law. The idea is that the box may contain bearer bonds or cash that would end up in an inheritance tax or something mentioned in a will and not there. Home safes theoretically are covered also, but seldom create problems unless inheritors have disagreements in court. IMO.
Your laws may vary.
Jim
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