My Grandmother passed away 2 years ago. She had a checking account that she placed me on as I am co-executor with my mother (per the will). ...

Question

My Grandmother passed away 2 years ago. She had a checking account that she placed me on as I am co-executor with my mother (per the will). My aunt was also on the account (she was put on years ago as she was the oldest daughter). We left the account open as we knew at some point Social Security would want some of their money back. Also in that account was my mother's portion of the small amount of money my Grandmother left them (which was divided and sent to the others). My aunt, in February closed the account and moved it to her own personal one. I understand she was on the account, however, my mother and I are executors of Grams' money. Isn't this theft from her estate? Are any repercussions even available? It was just over four thousand dollars.

Answer

The account passes outside of probate to the surviving joint tenants, but if you're on the account too, you could sue your aunt for your half of the money.