Am I required by law to pay an outstanding bills from a joint account?
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Am I required by law to pay an outstanding bills from a joint account?
I have a joint banking account with my step-father who has passed away am I required to pay any outstanding bills from this account?
Asked on February 13, 2018 under Estate Planning, Wisconsin
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 6 years ago | Contributor
I am so sorry for your loss. You need to check on how the account was held, meanig if it had attached with it "rights of surviviorship" or status as a tenants by the entirety. The bank should be b=able to tell you. If you have survivorship rights the money was all yours when your step father passed and only his estate is required to pay his bills. Not you. Good luck.
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