Have a Legal Question?

Get Free Answers From Experienced Lawyers!

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
New York Banking Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Banking for New York on
Q: How to notify the bank to change account name to a trust name?

After creating a trust, I now have a Trust Certificate. What is the customary method for notifying my bank to change the name on my account, which is currently in my name, to the new trust name? I haven't contacted the bank yet.

Stephen Bilkis
PREMIUM
Stephen Bilkis pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 22, 2025

I understand that you want to make sure your bank accounts are properly aligned with your new trust. This is a common step after creating a trust, and handling it correctly helps ensure that your assets will be managed and distributed according to the terms of the trust. In New York, the process of... View More

View More Answers

4 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law, Workers' Compensation, Car Accidents, Banking and Personal Injury for New York on
Q: How can my undocumented husband cash a legal settlement check without a social security number?

My husband, who is an undocumented immigrant from Mexico without a green card, recently won a lawsuit related to a car accident that occurred while he was working. He has a passport and ID, but banks are refusing to let him open an account to change the check because he does not have a social... View More

Lyaman F. Khashmati
Lyaman F. Khashmati pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 6, 2025

Undocumented immigrants, including those without a Social Security number, can still cash or deposit personal injury settlement checks in several ways, though conventional banks may refuse accounts due to their policies. One common solution is for your husband to apply for an ITIN (Individual... View More

View More Answers

4 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law, Workers' Compensation, Car Accidents, Banking and Personal Injury for New York on
Q: How can my undocumented husband cash a legal settlement check without a social security number?

My husband, who is an undocumented immigrant from Mexico without a green card, recently won a lawsuit related to a car accident that occurred while he was working. He has a passport and ID, but banks are refusing to let him open an account to change the check because he does not have a social... View More

Remzi Guvenc Kulen
Remzi Guvenc Kulen
answered on Oct 23, 2025

Your husband can cash the settlement check through several legitimate methods even without a Social Security Number. Many banks and credit unions offer ITIN-based accounts, which are designed for individuals without SSNs. He can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) through... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Probate and Banking for New York on
Q: How to access deceased father's NYC bank account without a will and navigate bilingual death certificate requirement?

My father passed away in Puerto Rico and he has a bank account in New York City. He did not leave a will, and I am not yet the executor of his estate. The bank has informed me that I need to translate the death certificate, which is already bilingual (Spanish and English) from Puerto Rico. I... View More

Stephen Bilkis
PREMIUM
Stephen Bilkis pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 30, 2025

I’m sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Navigating the process of accessing a deceased relative’s assets, especially across jurisdictions, can be stressful and confusing.

In New York, if someone dies without a will, their estate must go through a process called administration,...
View More

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Banking, Civil Litigation and Social Security for New York on
Q: How to obtain legal representation to access account info related to a settlement in NY?

As an infant, I was involved in a legal case where Stewart T Schantz and Franklyn Engel represented and won a settlement due to an accident that killed my mother and injured me in Ulster County and Poughkeepsie, NY, between 1985-1995. I'm currently facing a significant hardship, and banks... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Mar 22, 2025

I'm sorry about your tragic accident. Try to find information about the file for your award as an infant. In New York, awards for infants involve hearings before judges and infant compromise orders - if you could track down that paperwork, it should be helpful to the bank in ascertaining your... View More

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Banking, Civil Litigation and Social Security for New York on
Q: How to obtain legal representation to access account info related to a settlement in NY?

As an infant, I was involved in a legal case where Stewart T Schantz and Franklyn Engel represented and won a settlement due to an accident that killed my mother and injured me in Ulster County and Poughkeepsie, NY, between 1985-1995. I'm currently facing a significant hardship, and banks... View More

Jonathan R. Ratchik
Jonathan R. Ratchik
answered on Mar 21, 2025

If the accounts are in your name (or for your benefit), you shouldn't need any legal representation whatsoever. Proof of identification should be sufficient, i.e. driver's license, along with a copy of the court order pursuant to which the account was opened. That said, it's likely... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Banking for New York on
Q: I've gotten counterfeit money from a bank ATM. I went directly into the branch & was told its impossible. What can I do?

I've put in claims and they are denied. Basically I can't be reimbursed is what I'm told. Is this true? The error was on their end. I didn't go the any ATM. It was the actual banks' ATM.

Marco Caviglia
Marco Caviglia
answered on Feb 7, 2025

Interesting question. If you can PROVE that you received the phony money from the ATM, you may have a lawsuit for negligence against the bank which should be expert at spotting a phony bill, even a $20 one. You don't mention the amount, but I assume it wasn't more than a few hundered... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Banking, Business Law and Contracts for New York on
Q: How to dispute a charge with credit card company due to merchant not providing all services in contract.

Contract says "no refunds" but they didn't provide all of the services.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 26, 2024

If you're facing issues with a merchant who hasn't provided all the services outlined in your contract, even though it states "no refunds," you can still dispute the charge with your credit card company. Begin by gathering all relevant documentation, including the contract, any... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Banking for New York on
Q: Stripe has held my funds for 90days - can my lawyer send them a legal complaint even if their agreement allows it

What legal action can I take?

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 25, 2024

If Stripe has held your funds for 90 days and you believe this is unjustified, it's understandable that you would be concerned and consider taking action. Yes, your lawyer can send them a legal complaint regardless of the agreement's terms if they believe there are grounds for dispute.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Banking and Business Law for New York on
Q: How do I remove a delinquent/ charged off business credit card from my credit file for good?

My last payment on the credit card was 4/2020. I never made another payment because they closed my account. They recently updated it to a charge off on my credit report around 09/2023. Since this is a business credit card, how can I dispute it to be removed from my personal credit report for good?

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 20, 2024

First, check whether the business credit card was indeed under a personal guarantee. If it was, the delinquency could rightfully appear on your personal credit report. However, if the card was strictly under the business's name without any personal guarantee, you might have grounds to dispute... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Securities Law and Banking for New York on
Q: How can I get the $13k I have in a closed account that the bank refuses to send to me. Its been over a year.

Hi, I deposited a $13k annuity check into my individual brokerage account with ETrade, but the day it cleared my account was restricted pending ID verify. Phone camera was broken wouldn't take quality pics, so I knowingly altered and submitted a copy of an expired ID that was saved to my pc.... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 2, 2024

It sounds like you're facing a frustrating situation with your funds held in a closed account. Given the complexity of the issue and the unsuccessful attempts you've made so far, it's advisable to escalate your complaint within ETrade's customer service hierarchy. This might... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Securities Law and Banking for New York on
Q: How can I get the $13k I have in a closed account that the bank refuses to send to me. Its been over a year.

Hi, I deposited a $13k annuity check into my individual brokerage account with ETrade, but the day it cleared my account was restricted pending ID verify. Phone camera was broken wouldn't take quality pics, so I knowingly altered and submitted a copy of an expired ID that was saved to my pc.... View More

Allen Charles Frankel
Allen Charles Frankel
answered on Feb 29, 2024

Your issue may require a review of the terms and conditions that you agreed to when opening the account.

However, I would also recommend that you conduct a name search of the New York State Comptroller's Office of Unclaimed Funds. https://www.osc.ny.gov/unclaimed-funds. New York...
View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Banking and Consumer Law for New York on
Q: I had a 17 year old car with 250,000 miles. I offered $3000 to credit union to settle. I voluntarily surrendered car.

They said no. They want $250 a month. I'm on social security. I can't pay. What do I fo

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 6, 2024

In your situation, it's important to communicate your financial limitations clearly to the credit union. Explain that you are on Social Security and cannot afford the $250 monthly payment. It's helpful to provide a detailed account of your income and expenses to show why the payment is... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Banking, Elder Law and Estate Planning for New York on
Q: How to access a bank account when names don't match?

My grandmother has a joint bank account with my late grandfather who passed away in 2022. The account is under her maiden name from the 1960s, but she now uses her married name. Only one of her maiden last names matches any of her current paperwork. She has dementia, and my mother needs access to... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 5, 2025

In this situation, the name mismatch between your grandmother’s bank account and her current identification can make access difficult, especially since your mother does not have legal authority yet. Banks typically require that the names on the account match legal documents to prevent fraud, so... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law, Banking, Business Formation and Business Law for New York on
Q: Can a U.S. business provide a loan for EB-5 investment?

I am planning to start an activewear business and am considering using an EB-5 investment for funding. A friend who resides in the U.S. has offered to loan me $800,000 for this purpose. He would like to issue the loan through his business bank account rather than using his personal funds. Is it... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 3, 2025

For an EB-5 investment, it is legally permissible for the funds to come from a loan, but there are strict conditions that must be met. The loan must be secured by the investor’s own personal assets, not by the assets of the business that will receive the EB-5 investment. In other words, if your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Banking, Civil Litigation and Gov & Administrative Law for New York on
Q: Can a motion for summary judgment by Capital One, N.A. be opposed due to improper service at an incorrect residence, and does a merger with Capital One Bank (USA), N.A. affect the case?

In January 2022, Capital One Bank (USA), N.A. filed a lawsuit against me. I responded by filing an answer at the end of January 2022 to protect my defenses after receiving a solicitation notice from a local attorney about representation. The case remained inactive until October 2025; no motions or... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 27, 2025

You can oppose the motion because New York requires proper service of motion papers under CPLR 2103, and if they claim to have left the papers with someone at your home when you live alone, submit a sworn denial and request denial or adjournment for improper service.

Also verify compliance...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Banking, Business Law, Contracts and Civil Litigation for New York on
Q: How to resolve loan company default error and recover liquidated accounts?

In 2023, I took out a business loan and signed for it using both EIN and SSN. Although I never missed a payment, the loan company mistakenly labeled me as being in default. In March 2025, I was placed on a payment plan, and all amounts have been regularly debited from my bank account as per... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 27, 2025

What you describe sounds like a serious mistake by the lender that has already caused major financial harm. If you were never in default and can show consistent bank statements proving your payments, you may have strong grounds to challenge both the default classification and the actions taken... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Banking, Civil Litigation and Collections for New York on
Q: What happens if I don't appear at court for a lawsuit by my bank for unpaid credit card payments?

I was sued by my bank for unpaid credit card payments totaling $10,010, with the original amount being $7,000 before penalties and court fees. Although I have received a notice and appeared at court once, the case was postponed due to discovery and interpreter issues. However, my next court... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 20, 2025

If you fail to appear at court on October 1, 2025, the judge may issue a **default judgment** in favor of the bank. This means the court could rule that you owe the full amount claimed, including the original debt, interest, fees, and court costs, without hearing your side of the story. Once a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Collections, Civil Litigation and Banking for New York on
Q: How to inform NY court of inability to pay due to restraining notice?

I received a court order indicating an 'information subpoena and restraining notice' related to freezing $14,314.42 in my bank account. I do not have this amount or any money. How can I inform the court that I am broke, considering that no additional information or instructions were... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 19, 2025

The first step is to respond to the court as quickly as possible to explain your financial situation. You can do this by filing an affidavit or sworn statement stating that you do not have the funds in your bank account and cannot pay the amount indicated in the notice. Include details about your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Banking and Public Benefits for New York on
Q: Is my bank's restriction of my SSDI benefits legal in NY?

I am a resident of New York and receive my SSDI benefits deposited into my bank account here. Recently, I fell behind on two PAL loans taken from the same bank, and although I have attempted to negotiate a payment plan, the bank has decided to lock my debit card and now seems to have locked me out... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 8, 2025

In New York, your SSDI benefits are federally protected from garnishment or seizure by creditors, with very limited exceptions, such as federal tax liens or specific government debts. A bank generally cannot restrict your access to these funds to satisfy personal loans without a court order.... View More

Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free 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 Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, 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.