Bank Account Access After Death

Summary

In Puerto Rico, even if a spouses name is on a bank account, assets are frozen upon death until an executor or administrator is appointed. Consulting a lawyer is recommended to navigate the legal process and access the account.

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Hello nice to meet you too. So my dad passed away in Puerto Rico. My parents are married and my dad had a bank account with my moms name on the account as well. The bank froze the account and will not let my mom take out any of the money. They are saying that she needs to get a lawyer.
Hello Yomara, I'm sorry for your loss. In Puerto Rico, the law requires the appointment of an executor or administrator to access deceased's account. It's likely the bank is asking for legal proof of this. It's recommended to consult a lawyer for specific advice.
So you recommend she does get a lawyer
Yes, it's advisable to consult a lawyer to help with estate matters. They can guide you through the process, ensuring you follow the legal requirements in Puerto Rico.
I see that’s a shame though because her name is on the account and they are married legally.
Even if your mother's name is on the account, in Puerto Rico, assets are frozen upon death until an executor or administrator is appointed. A lawyer can assist her in this process to access the account legally.
Ok thank you so much I just wanted to make sure if she could do anything else.
Yes, consulting a lawyer would be the best course of action. They can provide specific advice based on your mother's situation and help navigate the legal process in Puerto Rico.
Thank you very much and have a blessed rest of you day God bless.
You're welcome, Yomara. I hope the information was helpful. If you have any more questions in the future, don't hesitate to reach out. God bless you too and have a blessed day!
Thank you.
Thank you for sharing this conversation, Yomara. It seems you have followed the correct advice. In Puerto Rico, the law does require the appointment of an executor or administrator to access a deceased person's account. It's best to consult a lawyer to navigate this process. If you need more help, feel free to contact us.
Thank you I will pass that on to my mom.
You're welcome! If your mom has any further questions or needs more clarification, don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to help. Best of luck with everything.
Thanks again.
You're welcome, Yomara! Don't hesitate to reach out again if you or your mom have more questions in the future. We're here to assist you. Good luck, and take care.