Business, Estates and Practical Questions
Can an executor store deceased-estate assets at Knox?
The short answer
An executor can generally arrange secure storage for deceased-estate assets, because safeguarding estate property is part of the executor's role once the Master of the High Court has issued letters of executorship. Storage is normally arranged by the executor in their official capacity, with that authority verified first. An executor must provide letters of executorship (or another appointment by the Master of the High Court) and proof of identity. Knox may refuse access if it has concerns about identity or the validity of documents. The executor steps into the client's position, including responsibility for outstanding fees and costs. Ask the estate's attorney how storage fits into the administration and accounts.
The executor's role in safeguarding assets
When someone dies, their estate is administered under the supervision of the Master of the High Court. An executor's authority comes from letters of executorship issued by the Master or, in some smaller estates, letters of authority. Part of the executor's duty is to take control of estate assets, protect them and account for them until they are sold or distributed to heirs. Jewellery, coins, artworks, documents and collections often need secure storage during that period.
How storing estate assets generally works
The executor, or an agent acting under the executor's written authority, applies for storage in their capacity as executor. The provider verifies the letters and the identity of the people involved. Assets are listed, ideally photographed, and stored in an arrangement that records who may access or release them. Where the deceased already rented a safe deposit box, the executor usually deals with that box first under the provider's deceased-estate procedure.
What depends on Knox and what depends on the estate
Knox sets the verification documents, access arrangements and agreement terms for estate storage. Under Knox's agreement, if the First and Second Authorised Persons have both died, the Third Authorised Person automatically takes full control of the box; if all the client's authorised people have died or become permanently incapacitated, the executor, curator or other person legally responsible for their affairs takes their place. The estate's circumstances also matter: whether letters have been issued yet, whether co-executors must act together, whether heirs dispute particular items, and whether a valuation is needed for the estate inventory or for estate duty purposes.
What to prepare and what to do next
- A certified copy of the letters of executorship or letters of authority.
- Identity documents for the executor and any agent.
- A written authority if an agent will act.
- An inventory of the assets to be stored.
Speak to the estate's attorney about storage costs and record-keeping, then contact Knox to confirm the documents and arrangement.
How Knox handles this
Ready for the next step?
Speak to the Knox team about your situation. They will confirm current pricing, availability and requirements before you decide.
