QUESTION
My ex-husband recently passed away without a will. If we have a joint bank account, can someone else claim that money?
Asked on Sep 09th, 2025 on Wills and Probate - Ohio
More details to this question:
My ex-husband, and live in boyfriend for 24 years after the divorce, passed away without a will. His son is trying to take everything including accounts we jointly owned. He is stating that he has claim to the house. My name is not listed as co-owner anymore, but my name is still on the deed. Do I have any rights? Can next of kin automatically come in without a will or probate and just take things away?
1 ANSWER
If your name is on the deed and on any joint bank accounts, then you have a claim to those assets even if you were not legally married to your ex. The value of your claim would depend upon how these accounts were held, either as tenants in common or as joint tenants with rights of survivorship. Consult with counsel in your jurisdiction for specific advice.
Answered on Sep 09th, 2025 at 7:01 AM