Question from a reader:
After my grandfather’s sister passed away and while organizing her house, we found 30 million yen in cash wrapped in newspaper. My grandfather and his eldest son and daughter-in-law decided to put the cash in a safe deposit box, but a few years later, when my grandmother mentioned the cash, she insisted that there wasn’t that much
money. My grandfather says he had confirmed it, but he regrets having handed it over. Is it possible for most of the money to disappear after necessary procedures following someone’s death? Also, is it a problem to take it without permission and put it in a safe deposit box? If anyone is knowledgeable about this, please let me know.

Considering the Discovery of Cash and Subsequent Legal Procedures

The story of finding 30 million yen in cash after my grandfather’s sister passed away is very intriguing. While many people may not face such a situation, I wonder how I would feel if I were in the same position. It must be a moment filled with conflicting emotions. Discovering cash can be seen as lucky, but it is essential to carefully consider the legal aspects regarding how to handle it afterward.

First, Regarding the Handling of Inheritance

To understand this situation, we must first think about the handling of inheritance. Inheritance generally refers to the deceased’s overall assets, and cash is part of that. The deceased’s assets are typically distributed among the heirs, but the definition of heirs and their rights are determined by law. With the passing of my grandfather’s sister, an inheritance has occurred. In this case, my grandfather and his eldest son and daughter-in-law are included as heirs. Heirs have the right to receive the deceased’s assets, but special care is needed regarding the handling of cash. For example, if the found cash was unilaterally put into a safe deposit box, is that within the scope of the heirs’ rights? Legally, how heirs handle the deceased’s assets is left to their judgment, but acting unilaterally carries risks.

Disputes Over the Existence of Cash

In this case, despite my grandfather saying he confirmed it, my grandmother claims, “There wasn’t that much money.” Such discrepancies are one of the common issues seen in inheritance cases. Especially when there are tangible items like cash involved, opinions can diverge regarding their handling and authenticity. Generally, it is ideal to conduct an inheritance division discussion and divide the assets in a way that all heirs agree. However, if cash is unilaterally placed in a safe deposit box, the likelihood of reaching an agreement on its distribution increases. Legally, heirs are required to respect the deceased’s wishes, but when those wishes are unclear, such disputes are more likely to arise.

Management of Inheritance and Use of Safe Deposit Boxes

Thinking about the immediate decision to put the cash in a safe deposit box raises questions about whether that was an appropriate action. While it is indeed important to store money in a safe place, handling inheritance requires the agreement of all heirs. Particularly regarding inheritance, since legal matters are involved, actions should be avoided without consensus. Additionally, heirs have the responsibility to manage the inheritance. This means that all heirs should agree on how to manage the inheritance and proceed with the necessary procedures. If my grandfather did not sufficiently discuss putting the cash in a safe deposit box, it could lead to problems later on.

Necessary Procedures and Their Impact

Necessary procedures following a death include inheritance division discussions and inheritance tax declarations. In particular, inheritance tax is levied based on the total amount of inherited assets, so if a significant amount of cash is found, the burden of inheritance tax can increase. The discovery of cash can significantly alter the calculation of inheritance tax. Moreover, when cash is discovered, the procedures for its management and distribution can become complicated. Especially if consensus among all heirs cannot be reached, the inheritance division discussions may stall, ultimately necessitating legal procedures for resolution.

Conclusion and Future Actions

When faced with such a situation, the most important factors are transparency and communication. It is necessary to discuss my grandfather’s action of putting the cash in a safe deposit box in a way that all heirs can agree upon. Additionally, it is essential not to forget to consult legal professionals as needed. I am not a legal expert, but I believe that issues related to inheritance are very delicate and intertwined with emotions, so they must be approached with caution. It is not easy to proceed calmly amid conflicting individual intentions and feelings, but by following legal procedures, we should aim for a fair resolution. Finally, if you encounter such a situation, I recommend not to bear it alone and to consult trusted individuals or professionals. Inheritance is one of those themes in life that cannot be avoided, but by facing it calmly, better outcomes can be achieved.