Newark, NJ asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Banking for New Jersey

Q: My brother passed away October 2022 and didn't have a will, can I collect his funds from his bank account?

His friend and coworker attempted to gain access to his funds from his Bank Of America accounts since my brother didn't have a Will or designate anyone with the Power Of Attorney, does he have a claim even though I'm his sole kin?

2 Lawyer Answers
Morris Leo Greb
Morris Leo Greb
Answered
  • Estate Planning Lawyer
  • Rockaway, NJ
  • Licensed in New Jersey

A: In a joint account, in the case of one joint tenant dying, the survivor takes. In all other matters, probate proceedings must be filed with the County Surrogate, an administrator will be appointed and a bond required. Thereafter, the estate will pass in accordance with state statutes.

Morris Leo Greb
Morris Leo Greb
Answered
  • Estate Planning Lawyer
  • Rockaway, NJ
  • Licensed in New Jersey

A: The accounts will go to the surviving joint owner. If no joint accounts, probate proceedings must be file with the County Surrogate. The Surrogate will appoint an adinistrator who must post a bond. Thereafter the estate assets will be distributed in accordance with state statutes,

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.