Do I need an attorney to secure a joint account I shared with my grandfather who just passed away?

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Do I need an attorney to secure a joint account I shared with my grandfather who just passed away?

A Will was found leaving everything to her and she is now threatening to sue me for the money in the account saying it is part of his estate. Can she do this and take it back?

Asked on August 18, 2015 under Estate Planning, Pennsylvania

Answers:

M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 8 years ago | Contributor

I am so sorry for your loss.  The law assumes that the joint account holder is the owner of the funds when one of the account holder dies unless there is clear and convincing evidence to the contrary.  If the Will was made prior to your being placed thereon and the account is not specifically named then I would argue that "everything" menat everything BUT the joint account.  It will cost her to fight you, more than maybe it is worth.  Discuss settling the issue with a lawyer.  Good luck.


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