Q: How do I secure money in a checking account when a parent dies and the spouse it still alive (I have power of attorney)
I am my mom's beneficiary and the account was only her personal savings account and personal checking account. My dad never contributed to the account. I live in Louisiana. What should be my first steps?
A: Power of attorney dies with the person. At the moment of death, a will kicks in. If no will exists, then child owns half of everything dead parent owns and spouse owns half of anything acquired during marriage. Child needs to hire a successions attorney immediately.
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