Guide by Juristbyrå Simon Dicksved
Swedish inheritance-law practice · U.S.-focused educational content
Updated: July 12, 2026
Why banks ask for proof
After a death, a bank must know who is authorized to receive information, close accounts, transfer funds, or sign instructions for the estate. In Sweden, that authority is often connected to the estate inventory and the identified estate parties. When heirs live in the United States, the bank may also need identity checks, powers of attorney, certified documents, or translations.
Why one answer rarely fits every bank
Different institutions may ask for different formats because the request depends on the account, the estate parties, the transaction, the country of residence, and the bank’s internal compliance requirements. Notarizing every document in the United States is not always the solution. The better first step is to map what the bank is asking for and what legal function each document must serve.
What legal help can clarify
Swedish legal assistance may help identify who can act, what Swedish estate documents exist or must be prepared, whether a power of attorney is appropriate, and how the bank requirement fits into the wider estate distribution. U.S. tax reporting, U.S. probate authority, and American account issues remain separate questions.
Useful first-call checklist
- Bank name and branch/contact, if known
- Account or asset type, without sending full account numbers through a general form
- Registered estate inventory or status of preparation
- Known heirs and representatives
- Power of attorney requests
- Any bank letters or document lists
Start with a non-confidential summary. Do not send sensitive documents through a general website form.