[header] How to know when to reopen an estate [title] Reopen if you discover an asset. [step] This is the most common reason for reopening an estate. For example, you may discover a bank account, retirement account, bonds, or some other type of asset after the estate has been closed. 
If so, you can petition the court to reopen the estate. [substeps] Check to see that the asset has been titled in the deceased's name.