If there were no bank accounts at the time of death but there were joint bank accounts 2-3 years prior, are they considered part of the estate in anyway?
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If there were no bank accounts at the time of death but there were joint bank accounts 2-3 years prior, are they considered part of the estate in anyway?
I had joint bank accounts with my father in the past that were actually mine. I am not married and have no children and my father lived with me, so I had his name jointly on my accounts incase of my death and now after his death my sisters are looking for money.
Asked on November 22, 2014 under Estate Planning, New York
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 9 years ago | Contributor
I am so sorry for your loss. Accounts that are jointly held pass automatically to the joint owner at the death of the other owner. But more importantly here, accounts that do not exist at the time of death - even if referred to in a Will - are not an asset of an estate. It sounds as if you are fine here. Good luck.
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