Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Michigan

Joint Checking Account

My brother passed away and left a will leaving all to his step daughter He put my name as joint owner on his checking acc. Now she is wanting me to turn it over to her. Is the checking acc. subject to Probate? or is it mine.


Asked on 10/05/06, 9:59 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

William Stern William Stern, P.C.

Re: Joint Checking Account

The money is yours, unless your name was on the account strictly as a convenience. There is a statute giving you a presumption in your favor. this means that the stepdaughter would have to present evidence to show that the account was set up merely as a convenience in order to overcome that presumption. Withdraw the money and let her bring the legal action for return of the funds. William S. stern

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Answered on 10/07/06, 10:19 am
Rochelle Guznack Law Offices of Rochelle E. Guznack, PLLC

Re: Joint Checking Account

A joint checking account should not be included in the probate estate. It generally passes to the surviving account holder who, apparently, is you. The step-daughter should have no claim to it based on the facts you have provided.

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Answered on 10/06/06, 9:49 am


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