Before you notify us
Proof of death
When someone passes away you will need to provide us with a copy of the ‘Proof of death’. This formally notifies the Bank, and allows us to start the process of finalising the Estate. We may also be able to assist you with paying for the costs for the funeral or memorial (See Step 3).
Proof of death includes any one of these documents:
- Death Certificate
- Doctor’s Medical Certificate
- Funeral Bill
- Solicitor’s or Coroner’s Letter
- Grant of Probate
- Letters of Administration
- Probate Bond.
You should also start gathering the following documents
- Full name of the deceased customer, as well as ‘known as’ name, and details of one account number they held, if possible (even if there are multiple accounts)
- A certified copy of the will, if applicable
- Your proof of identification
Summary of requirements to finalise an Estate |
||
Total value of accounts held in Westpac |
Requirements |
How |
|---|---|---|
| Below $15,000 | Death Certificate |
This can be done in the branch and straight away as long as you have all the documentation and the relevant authorisations. Please note, if there are lending products, the branch will need to forward this request to the Estates Management Team who will go ahead and complete the request for you. |
| Between $15,000 and $100,000 | Death Certificate Completed and Signed Notification of Death, Funds Distribution & Indemnity Form (PDF 84KB) And one (1) of the following, if applicable:
|
This can still be initiated at the branch, but the staff there will forward all the documentation to the Estates Management team. The team will then go ahead and process as requested on the Notification/Indemnity form.
In cases where there is no Grant of Probate or Letter of Administration, we will accept a written “Letter of Direction” if it is signed by all Next of Kin. |
| Over $100,000 | Death Certificate Completed and Signed Notification of Death, Funds Distribution & Indemnity Form (PDF 84KB) And one (1) of the following:
|
This can still be initiated at the branch, but the staff there will forward all the documentation to the Estates Management team. The team will then go ahead and process as requested on the Notification/Indemnity form. This form must be signed by the listed Executor, Administrator or the listed person on the Probate Bond. |