Bank Refusing To Give Account Statements To Executor Of Estate?

This is happening in Maryland, USA. I’m executor of my grandmother’s estate and one of two beneficiaries. I went to her bank to receive statements on her bank accounts (checking & savings) with her death certificate and letter of appointment in hand.

After the bank scanned in the documents, they told me she had a credit card as well. When I asked for the statements, they refused to provide them as I’m not the owner of the account. They stated they will send everything to their credit department and after the credit card is paid they will give me a call. They also will disperse funds to beneficiaries, but there’s no beneficiaries or co-owners for the account so they have to investigate.

What’s confusing me is that the Probate Court told me debt has to be given in writing and filed with the court. All debt will be paid by the funds inside the estate in 8 months with the highest debt to be paid first. I have to give them bank statements within 30 days to be filed as part of the estate assets. Once debt is paid, the estate can close and funds will then be dispersed to beneficiaries. I was told by the court and the bank all I need is the death certificate and letter of appointment to receive information and access to her accounts.

Where do I go from here? I already plan to call the court Monday to alert them of what’s going on. Should I also get a lawyer? If so, what kind of lawyer should I hire?

I don’t want this to get messy, I also don’t want to get into trouble because of an uncooperative bank. Any advice would be appreciated. TIA!