If I have a joint account with my mother and she died does that money belong to me?
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If I have a joint account with my mother and she died does that money belong to me?
Asked on November 12, 2014 under Estate Planning, California
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 9 years ago | Contributor
California law provides that property held as joint tenants will pass to the remaining joint tenant by "operation of law" at the death of one of the joint account holders. So yes, it passes outside of the probate process and to you automatically. But it still may be subject to dispute by siblings so Mom should speak with an estate planner.
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