The short answer
Usually yes, for an account in both your names. How each account was set up decides what happens to it.
Most joint accounts pass to you, though not all. An account with a named beneficiary goes to that person. An account in his name alone often waits for the executor, and the bank can tell you which kind each one is.
This chapter explains how things usually work in the United States. It is not legal, tax or financial advice, and the rules where you live may differ. Before you act on anything here, check it with one of the people named at the end of the chapter.
What to do
- List every account and whose name it is in.
- Ask each bank how each account is titled.
- Ask what they need from you for each one, in writing.
- Keep the joint account open while it pays bills.
- Leave any payment that arrived after his death until you have asked.
- Ask the bank how the money left in his name is insured after six months.
- Name beneficiaries on your own accounts when you are ready.
What can wait
- Closing or combining accounts.
- Changing banks.
- Moving or using money in an account in his name alone, until the executor or a lawyer has explained how it is handled. The six-month insurance question in step 6 is the exception: ask it now.
Who can help
Ask the bank for its estate or bereavement team. If the first person cannot help, you can ask for someone else, or call back another day.
A probate or estate lawyer can explain what happens to accounts in his name alone in your state. The American Bar Association's directory finds your state and local bar associations, which run referral services: americanbar.org/directories/lawyer-referral-directory.
For free civil legal aid if your income is low: lsc.gov. A helper, or a librarian at your public library, can do these searches with you.
The rules, phone numbers and web addresses in this book were checked against the agencies’ own pages in October 2026. They change, so check anything you rely on with the office itself.
From Book 2: The Money
This page has the short answer and the closing lists from chapter 6. The full chapter explains, in plain words, what exists, what to ask, and who can answer. The book covers months 1 to 6.
Hear when the next book is out
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