Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Michigan
Joint accounts without a will
If my Father in Michigan dies without a written will, l will the joint checking and savings accounts be frozen or will I still be able to withdraw the money? Also how can I convince him to record a will?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Access to joint accounts
Regarding access to the joint accounts by the surviving joint tenant, this would probably depend on the bank's rules, but you probably still would have access.
As for "recording" a will, I'm not sure what you mean. Wills are not usually recorded like deeds, but if safekeeping is the goal, attorneys often accept wills for safekeeping and will give you a receipt to keep in your files, or the will can be kept in a safe deposit box. I'm a California lawyer, and there may be more options in your state, so if you don't get responses from Michigan or Kentucky attorneys to your question, call a local attorney's office and ask about will safekeeping options.