Request from heirs on postal accounts registered to the deceased

When a person dies, what they leave behind is not just a collection of assets, but a web of relationships that their heirs must reconstruct precisely. Among these, postal relationships play a crucial role. Current accounts, savings books, securities deposits, savings bonds, money orders. Every transaction can reveal something, reveal a suspicious withdrawal, confirm a donation, reveal a relationship that was never declared. This is why the law recognizes heirs' full right to access the deceased's postal records, equating them to the owner of the relationship. This protection arises from the need to ensure transparency and protect inheritance shares.

The regulatory framework that protects heirs

Article 119 of the Consolidated Banking Act establishes that, upon the death of the owner, the heirs assume the right to obtain copies of banking and postal documentation. The Privacy Code, with Article 9, strengthens this protection by recognizing that the family interest in rebuilding the estate is worthy of protection. This means that heirs can access all postal accounts, even those that have expired or are unknown, and obtain copies of transactions carried out in the last ten years. This right does not require any special authorization. It arises automatically with the status of heir.

Timeframe, limits, and value of documentation

The post office must deliver the documentation within a maximum of ninety days of the request. This limit is designed to avoid delays that could hinder the declaration of succession or the reconstruction of the estate. However, there is a time limit. The obligation only applies to the last ten years of accounts. Beyond that period, delivery is no longer required. The documentation obtained can prove decisive. A forgotten passbook, a securities deposit closed shortly before death, a bank transfer that affects the reserved share. This is often the point at which the inheritance stops being a hypothesis and becomes a clear picture.

How to submit the request and what costs apply

The request is submitted by completing a dedicated form, attaching the death certificate, the heirs' documents, and, when necessary, proof of inheritance. The request can be sent by registered mail or certified email to the competent administrative office. The issuance of documentation requires a fee, which must be proportionate and cannot exceed the actual costs of photocopying, printing, and shipping. Typically, this is ten euros for each copy of a document, fifteen euros for older bank statements.

When the post office fails to respond and heir protection

If the post office fails to deliver the documentation within ninety days, or refuses it without reason, the heirs can activate the available protection mechanisms. These include a formal complaint, an appeal to the Banking and Financial Arbitrator, or a request for compensation for damages. This protection guarantees the heirs the ability to fully reconstruct the inheritance and assert their rights. The request for postal documentation is a moment of truth, the point at which the deceased's financial history comes to light and allows the heirs to understand what they are entitled to by law. Agenzia delle Successioni can also intervene in protection of assets and to book a consultation, simply fill out the form, thus putting you in contact with a professional dedicated to the indicated case.