Sec. 45a-277. Opening of deceased owner's safe deposit box to access jointly held stocks, bonds, annuities or certificates of deposit. Procedure. Hearing. Fee.

(b) Upon receipt of the bank officer's return under subsection (a) of this section, the Probate Court may issue a subsequent order authorizing the removal of jointly owned stocks, bonds, annuities or certificates of deposit from the deceased owner's safe deposit box by a person making application to the Probate Court pursuant to subsection (a) of this section. An order issued by the Probate Court under this subsection shall be issued not later than ten days after the date of the receipt of the bank officer's return unless the Probate Court determines that, prior to allowing the removal of jointly owned stocks, bonds, annuities or certificates of deposit by the applicant, it is necessary for the court to provide notice and an opportunity to be heard to the heirs or beneficiaries identified under a will who may claim an ownership interest in property located in the safe deposit box that has been included in the bank officer's return. If the Probate Court determines that it is necessary to conduct a hearing under this subsection, such hearing shall be held not later than thirty days after the date of receipt of the bank officer's return. If the Probate Court issues an order under this subsection authorizing the removal of jointly owned stocks, bonds, annuities or certificates of deposit from the deceased owner's safe deposit box, such order shall require that the safe deposit box be opened in the presence of a bank officer. The bank officer shall make return to the court, identifying the jointly owned stocks, bonds, annuities or certificates of deposit removed from the safe deposit box and the name of the person who removed the items from the safe deposit box. The return of such order to the Probate Court shall be completed by a bank officer not later than ten days after the date of the bank's receipt of the order.

(c) A bank may charge a reasonable fee for the performance of the duties required by this section to the applicant.

See Sec. 45a-284 re opening of safe deposit boxes to search for a will.