Plainfield, NJ asked in Estate Planning for Puerto Rico

Q: My father in law a resident of Puerto Rico passed away recently. A couple of years prior to his passing he had his

daughter open a bank account under her name and he gave her funds to put in it. HIs wish was that when he passed she would distribute the funds per his wishes. Which she did. 2 weeks after his passing someone found a will and is now saying that the money in her account should be part of the will. I disagree as the funds were given to his daughter. What do you think?

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1 Lawyer Answer

A: That sounds like an inter vivos gift! Even if it was a joint account with rights of survivorship, that money typically would avoid probate and his daughter would be free to distribute it however she wished (maybe even if she didn't comply with your father in law's directions).

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