Key Facts
• Inheritance freezes bank accounts; withdrawals require all heirs’ consent and seals.
• July 2019: New withdrawal system allows limited access without heirs’ consent.
• Formula: 1/3 of account balance × legal inheritance share; max withdrawal is ¥1.5 million.
• Example: ¥600,000 account, 2 heirs → ¥100,000 withdrawal; ¥1.2 million → ¥150,000 max.
• Court approval can allow withdrawals exceeding the limit in disputes.
• Required documents: deceased’s full family register and all heirs’ family registers.
• Processing time: Over 2 weeks; unsuitable for immediate funeral costs.
• Using withdrawn funds for personal expenses voids inheritance renunciation rights.
• Funeral cost disputes resolved by prior agreements, discussions, or default to the chief mourner.
Summary
A 2019 system reform allows limited withdrawals from frozen bank accounts after inheritance begins, bypassing the need for all heirs’ consent. The maximum withdrawal is ¥1.5 million, calculated based on account balance and legal inheritance shares. Court intervention can permit higher withdrawals in disputes. However, the process requires extensive documentation and may take over two weeks, making it unsuitable for urgent funeral expenses. Misuse of funds for personal needs can void inheritance renunciation rights. Understanding these rules is crucial for effective financial planning during inheritance.
