Stop the arguments
Question
A close friend of mine died recently. He was only 25 and didn't have a will. His parents and girlfriend are trying to sort everything out but, obviously, it's very difficult for them all and an argument has started about the joint account he and his girlfriend had. Can you tell me whether the money should legally go to his girlfriend or his next of kin?
Answer
This must be a very difficult time for you and we offer our sympathy for your loss.
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, when a joint account holder dies the balance on the account automatically passes to the remaining account holder.
But it's also important to know that when some one dies a personal representative will be appointed to take responsibility for their worldly possessions. If they decide that some of the balance in the account is part of the estate they can, in some circumstances, make a claim on the account.
Updated: 28/06/2005
Question answered by CAB
