Cleveland, OH asked in Banking, Civil Litigation, Probate and Securities Law for Ohio

Q: How can I freeze my mom bank accounts?

My mother had pass away this past Sunday ,family members are trying to take advantage, they took her credit cards check books without my permission and someone told me they was trying to write out a check and try to withdraw money from her account witch is illegal. How can I freeze her accounts.What can I do with a attorney without going through probate because she has no will?

1 Lawyer Answer
Kenneth V Zichi
Kenneth V Zichi
Answered
  • Estate Planning Lawyer
  • Fowlerville, MI

A: 1) Not having a will doesn't mean you don't have to go through probate. Indeed, it likely means you WILL have to go through probate.

2) Simply inform the banks your mother has died, and call the credit card companies with the same information. They will freeze the account automatically until someone is appointed by the Court to act for the Estate.

3) and most importantly, hire a local probate attorney.

Do that yesterday.

You need legal representation particularly if you will need to challenge charges or 'get back' money improperly removed from your mom's accounts.

Hire a local attorney ASAP!

-- This answer is offered for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney/client relationship.

I am licensed to practice in Michigan only. Please seek competent local legal help if you feel you need legal advice

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.