My dad died and had no will.how can i claim his bank account.

Question

My dad died and had no will.how can i claim his bank account.

Answer

If your dad died without a Will then the intestate laws determine who is entitled to inherit his bank account. You may or may not be that person. For instance, if he was married at the time of his death, his wife would be entitled to a spousal share which might include the entire value of the estate. If he had no wife, then his children would be next in line to inherit. If he had no wife and you are his only child, then you would be entitled to inherit his estate, but you may have to probate an estate depending upon the value of the bank account. If it is a small account, there is a provision in the law to have the bank distribute the money to an heir without formal probate of an estate. You should contact an attorney for more specific information. Feel free to contact me at (412) 471-6463

Answer

You don't disclose a lot of information. When did your father die? Although he had no will, was he married and did he have a wife who is alive? Do you have siblings? Were you a joint account holder with your father on the bank account?

Assuming there is no spouse and if the funds in the bank account are under $10,000, there is a procedure so that you can claim the funds. You need to talk to the Register of Wills (if this is in PA) at the Orphans' Court in the county where your father lived at the time of his death.