Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Ohio

If your mother's checking account was titled jointly with your brother, then on her death, it would legally pass to him. Only assets held in her individual name, without any beneficiary designation, would pass through probate and would be governed by her will. Therefore, jointly held assets or assets like financial accounts or insurance that a beneficiary can be designated, would pass directly to the beneficary listed, outside of probate.

Does your mother have any other assets othere than checking account? As a child of the deceased, you are entitled to pursue her estate on your own. That would be opening an estate or probating her will. If you would like further assistance, please contact my office at www.socrateslegal.com .