hi, can i claim my deceased grandfathers funds even though my dad is alive?

Hello. My name is Damien. I am an attorney in New York City practicing in the New York City metropolitan area. It could be possible for you to inherit the funds if you are the successor beneficiary on the account if your father is the designated beneficiary. He could disclaim the funds and then the funds would go to you.  If you are not listed as a successor beneficiary, he can still disclaim the funds. The funds would go into your grandfather's estate. Generally, an heir or beneficiary of an estate can disclaim or renounce a bequest if the beneficiary or heir never has never taken receipt of the money. If your Father is the named beneficiary on the bank account, then possibly the bank could inform him of what the bank needs from him to disclaim the funds. If he is not the designated beneficiary or you are not the successor beneficiary of the account, then your Father or another heir would have to become the fiduciary of the estate wherein your Father would have to renounce his property interest and that money would then be distributed to the heirs of your grandfather other than your Father. If you are the only heir (meaning your grandfather had no other living children at the time of his death), then the money could go to you. If you need any assistance, a New York Trusts & Estates Attorney may be able to help you. If you wish to speak on the phone about it, you can call me at (646) 452-7082 or email me at DamienBoscoEsq@gmail.com