Bank Accounts in Joint names

My wife and I always did everything in joint names - eg. bank accounts, land purchase.
In England when one dies the other automatically inherits, which in the case of bank accounts means that the account comes to be in the survivors name only.
We have a joint account here in Italy but only as an external account. the bank have been pushing us for the last 6 months to change this, but we have not got round to doing this.
Unfortunately my wife has now died, as it is an external account, does the same rule apply as in England.

A supplementary question. Which is better a bank account or a post office account?
Many thanks.

What a sad situation !  My deepest sympathy....

My understanding that in Italy (I might be wrong) that once you inform the bank, the account will be frozen until your wife's will (testamento) has been 'carried out'. They will probably want to see the actual will itself.

You may want to seek greater and clearer advice,

Good luck during this difficult time,

V

Thanks Vicino. The only problem there is that she did not have a will. I suppose that I will have to obtain probate (which is actually unnecessary for us in England), and I presume get a formal translation of it as well.