Legal Question in Disability Law in Illinois

I want to open a joint checking account with my brother. The bank (Bank of America) has refused and will not even allow him to be added as a signer to my account. The reason given is that he must come to the bank to sign the forms in person. He has been a quadrapegic since an injury two years ago and is unable to come to a branch of the bank although he is able to sign forms at the assisted living facility where he lives. He signed the forms provided by the bank but Bank of America insists he come to the bank in person. He lives in Florida. I live in Illinois. Is it legal to not allow him to be on my account because he is disabled and unable to personally come to the bank?


Asked on 5/14/10, 10:02 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Betty Tsamis Tsamis Law Firm PC

As you can imagine, banks are under strict guidelines when opening accounts and/or adding signers especially since 9/11. I would ask to speak with the highest level management official you can get on the phone and tell that person that you understand the ADA to provide for reasonable accommodation and in this instance, a reasonable accommodation is/could be to come up with an alternate way to get your brother on the account.

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Answered on 5/20/10, 7:27 am


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