AboutDavid Hollingsworth Expertise I have quite a bit of experience in the field of Probate in Central Indiana along with general areas of civil law. I do not answer question regarding crimminal law or misdemeanors.
Expert: David Hollingsworth Date: 3/23/2008 Subject: joint ownership bank account
Question My father had me sign the appropriate papers to be "joint owner" on his checking account. After his death, I closed the account and moved the money (approximately 30K)to my bank, in my name alone. Legally, do I have to share it with my other siblings? If I am sued by my siblings, can my siblings each take a third? (I'm assuming the joint account is non-probatable since it's not mentioned in the will) Help, this is driving me crazy. My father never had a "real" relationship with them. My Dad had a will and we are to split his estate 3 ways.
Answer Without equivocation the money is yours and if they ask for it tell them to take a hike. They cannot be successful in any type law suit to collect from you. This does not mean they cannot try but if a lawyer represents to them that he has any chance of getting the money from you he is only trying to make a fee. JDH
