Access deceased family account

Hey sezza28 - sorry to jump in here, but did you try following the process outlined here? 

Hi Walter
Thanks for your message
I did receive this process and previously asked the questions on what these mean?

A photocopy of your government-issued ID
(Would this be passport?)

A valid court order establishing that it was the deceased person's intent that you have access to the files in their account after the person passed away, and that Dropbox is compelled by law to provide the deceased person's files to you (how do I obtain this?)

Many thanks

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sezza28 wrote:

A photocopy of your government-issued ID
(Would this be passport?)

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Passport, drivers license, etc. Some form of photo ID that was issued by your local, state or federal government.

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A valid court order ... (how do I obtain this?)

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Basically, Dropbox can't just give someone access to another person's account, regardless of whether or not they're a family member. It would be a major security violation if they did. So the only way that can happen is if there is proof to show that you're legally allowed to access the account, in which case Dropbox would be compelled to provide you with access.

I'm not a lawyer (and I don't work for Dropbox) but I imagine you would be able to gain access if the account was willed to you, in which there would be a legal document stating as such, or if you went through a court system and it was determined that you're entitled to access the account, at which point the court would order (i.e. a court order) Dropbox to allow you to access the account.

Otherwise, if someone dies and didn't leave behind their credentials for signing in to the account, there's usually no way other than some legal means (i.e. a will, a court order, etc.) for someone else to access the account.

The easiest option would be to gain access to the email address that they used for Dropbox and attempt to reset the password on their Dropbox account.

Your post got me looking at this again. I was able to create the same email address and was hoping to get the access code from the two factor authorization. The code never arrived. I assume it's because you need to "Trust this computer" when you login on a new device. So my computer was never trusted. Very frustrating.

@Rich thanks for your response above, not sure we have documentation to say we are legally allowed to access the account, so it might have to be through a court system. I understand the need for privacy but seems such a long way round! I know his email address for the account but the p/w expired some time ago I believe. Thanks again

mmenzies33  thanks for your note above, I think we have tried almost everything. Not giving up just yet though. 🙂

Hi sezza28, if you wish, and as a last chance, I can create a ticket on my end for you, in order to have our Support team investigate this a bit more. 

I'd just prefer to do it privately due to the account-info that might be needed. 

Not saying this will be solved, but let's try to do the best that we can. 

Would that be all right? 

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mmenzies33 wrote:
I keep thinking what if my computer was stolen or died? How would I authenticate the account to gain access? I would not have a trusted device.

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If you're referring to two-step verification, when you activate two-step verification you're given emergency backup codes that can be entered in the case of a lost/stolen/etc. authentication device.

If you don't have two-step verification enabled on your account, then all you need is the email address and password that you used for the account. If Dropbox doesn't recognize the device you're on, they may also ask for a one-time security code which would be sent to the email address associated with your Dropbox account. As long as you have access to that email, you can gain access to the account.