Philadelphia, PA asked in Estate Planning and Banking for Florida

Q: My father died and put me as beneficiary on his bank accounts. I was able to acess his accounts. But now I'm not sure .

I not sure I should have. He died in Florida.

Related Topics:
2 Lawyer Answers

A: If you are the payable on death "POD" or transfer on death "TOD" beneficiary on your late father's accounts, then all you would need to do is show the death certificate, and the accounts would be transferred to you. You do not not need to open an estate unless there is an asset without a beneficiary designation. You acted correctly based on the description of what occurred. If you have any other questions, you should call an attorney in Florida.

A: First, I am sorry for your loss. You will want to meet with your banker to discuss the account, but if you were on the account, the account probably went to you when he passed. You bank can advise you further. Best of Luck! Jennifer

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.