Does a Will override a joint bank account?
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Does a Will override a joint bank account?
My mom decided to withdraw money from her joint account with my sister and moved it to the
bank where she has a joint account with me since she now lives with me and I am her caregiver. My sister hasn’t seen her in over a year and a half but said she will enforce the Will that states equal distribution.
Asked on February 15, 2018 under Estate Planning, Virginia
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 6 years ago | Contributor
Not all of a person's assets pass via their Will. Certain funds, including those in a joint bank account are not part of their estate. Accordingly, you have the rights to the money in the joint account. A Will can only distribute the assets that are in the estate at the time of the deceased's death.
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