<prompt> Human: My MIL passed early February, unexpectedly, and we found her safe deposit box key, with box number, that she opened in 1997. Payments have been made for the past 20 years and we went yesterday to open it as we were not sure its contents. We were thinking an updated will since the one we found was almost 30 years old. The box was not there and the bank is not sure where the safe deposit box is located and is now investigating it. They had a bunch of different type boxes in the vault due to at least 3 different mergers and they all were consolidated to that branch. The vault was packed with them and their record system was not spectacular. I realize we have no idea of its contents and banks are not responsible for the contents of the box. They were very concerned and were confident it will be eventually found. Is this common that a bank loses a box and are we just out of luck if not found? What happens during a merger? Are boxes just moved or do they notify owner to move items and if not they do it for them?  <response>: Bank will tell you its not responsible, but it is.Theyre not responsible if the box contains illegal material stolen money etc, but they ARE responsible for losing the box and contents.They WILL try to tell you otherwise, and you need legal advice. For all you know a bank employee stole boxes and the bank covered it up...they cant just say ah well, never mind. 