Things you'll need to consider first.
Identify Your Responsibility
If you are appointed as a personal representative or trustee, follow the directives outlined in the court document naming you as executor or estate representative.
Obtain The Death Certificate
This document verifies our member’s identity and residence. A certified death certificate is usually available from the funeral director or local vital records office.
Get answers to your common questions.
How to submit your documents to Affinity?
When a loved one passes away, you can submit the necessary documents to Affinity by visiting any of our branches, mailing them to our Member Service address, or uploading them securely through our online portal. If you have any questions or need guidance through the process, we’re here to help—just give us a call at 800.325.0808.
1. Fax Affinity at 908-860-3880
2. Find a local branch
3. Mail Affinity at:
ATTN: Affinity Member Services
Affinity Federal Credit Union
73 Mountainview Blvd
Basking Ridge, NJ 07960
Who can access a deceased individual’s account?
The credit union can only discuss the account of a deceased member with the legal representative of the decedent’s estate or surviving joint account holder(s). To gain access to any individual owned account(s), you must contact the Surrogate’s office in the county where the decedent resided at the time of their death, be appointed the legal representative, and provide the credit union with a Surrogate’s Certificate. Without this, we will not be able to release any account information.
If you were a joint account holder, you will need to provide a copy of the decedent’s death certificate as well as either an L-8 or Affidavit of Domicile described below.
• If you are an Affinity FCU member, documents can be uploaded through your online banking profile.
• If you are not a member, please contact our Member Service Center at 800-325-0808 or mail the required documents to:
Affinity Federal Credit Union
Attn: Decedent Department
73 Mountainview Blvd
Basking Ridge, NJ 07920
What steps should I take first?
The first step is to notify the credit union as soon as possible following the death of a loved one. You will need to provide the following information:
• Full name of the deceased
• Date of death
• Copy of death certificate
• Full name of the deceased
• Name(s) of the individual(s) responsible for settling the account, along with a copy of their driver’s license(s) or state-issued ID(s)
• A completed L8 form, if the deceased was a resident of New Jersey at the time of death and you qualify to use this form. If you do not qualify, a tax waiver will be required and a hold may be applied on the date of death balances.
• If the deceased was not a resident of New Jersey at the time of their passing, you will need to submit an Affidavit of Domicile.
Note: If the deceased resided in New Jersey at the time of death, you must submit an L8 form as mandated by the New Jersey Division of Taxation. For assistance, please contact the state at 609-292-5033.
Note: If the decedent did not reside in New Jersey, an Affidavit of Domicile must be submitted. The credit union will provide these forms.
What steps should be taken regarding the accounts?
• Cancel direct deposits (e.g., payroll, Social Security payments).
• Cancel pre-authorized drafts.
• Redirect pre-authorized drafts and direct deposits to new accounts, as necessary.
• Update beneficiary information, if applicable.
• Review account history for any recurring electronic withdrawals, and take appropriate action to stop future drafts. Contact the respective companies if necessary.
• Update official documents as needed.
Can I submit a Will?
Unfortunately, the credit union cannot validate a Will. A Will must be probated through the Surrogate’s Court, and an estate representative must be appointed by the court. If there are no beneficiaries or joint account holders for the deposit account, we can only accept instructions from the court-appointed legal representative.
Notify Affinity of a member’s passing.
We'll ask for the full legal name and Social Security number of the deceased member to identify their accounts. We’ll also establish your role with the estate or joint/beneficiary, collect your contact information, and provide you with a case reference number for future use.
Call Affinity
Stop in a branch
Schedule a callbackWhat to expect after notifying Affinity.
Upon receiving notification, we quickly review the member’s account and take steps to help protect their assets. This often includes proactive measures—even before we receive any paperwork—like monitoring activity or adding extra security.
Federal benefit payments, including government assistance like Social Security, will cease or be returned to the appropriate government agency upon the individual's passing.
What we'll provide you, if necessary.
Letter of Required Items
We’ll mail this letter to the address we have on file for any joint owner, beneficiary, or, if the account was individual, to the address on file for the deceased.
Upon request, a copy can be mailed to an address requested by the executor.
Disclaimer Statement
The information provided above is offered as a courtesy to assist with the administration of the decedent’s estate. It is not intended to constitute legal advice. We strongly recommend consulting an attorney or qualified professional, as the credit union cannot assume responsibility for the accuracy or applicability of the information contained in this document.