CT HB06680

Allows persons with sufficient interest to petition the Probate Court for an order to open a deceased owner's safe deposit box when no probate proceedings have been instituted and jointly owned stocks, bonds, annuities, or certificates of deposit are present.

Requires the Probate Court to issue an order approving or denying the application within 10 days of receipt, and permits the court to issue the order ex parte.

Mandates that a bank officer open the safe deposit box, complete an inventory of contents, identify owners and beneficiaries of jointly owned assets, and return the inventory to the Probate Court within 10 days.

Authorizes the Probate Court to issue a subsequent order allowing removal of jointly owned assets from the box within 10 days of receiving the inventory, or within 30 days if a hearing is held to provide notice to heirs or beneficiaries with potential ownership claims.

Permits banks to charge a reasonable fee to the applicant for performing duties required under this section.