Insight

Does A Joint Bank Account Automatically Contain A Right Of Survivorship?

A joint bank account is a ubiquitous and popular way to own an account with one’s spouse, children, loved ones and friends.

Joint Bank Accounts
Anthony J. Enea

Anthony J. Enea

November 22, 2016 12:00 AM

A joint bank account is a ubiquitous and popular way to own an account with one’s spouse, children, loved ones and friends. Generally, the primary and most significant advantage to using a joint bank account is that any of the parties named to the joint account will have access to its funds and, if the account is a joint account with rights of survivorship, the account passes to the surviving named account holder(s) upon the death of any joint tenant.

Generally, and in the past, the most important factor in determining whether a joint account is with rights of survivorship is whether the bank signature card establishing the account identifies the interests of the parties as being with rights of survivorship. Obtaining a physical copy of the signature card from a bank can be difficult as a result of numerous bank mergers and the passage of time from when the account was created.

Additionally, Section 675 of the NY Banking Law creates a presumption that a bank account created in the name of two or more persons which is to be paid to either of them or the survivor, in the absence of any evidence of fraud and /or undue influence will vest title to the survivor named on the account. The party seeking to challenge title to the account passing to the survivor has the burden of proving that undue influence and/or fraud existed.

Historically, producing a signed bank signature card containing the requisite statutory language of Section 675 of the Banking Law has been sufficient to create the presumption (although rebuttable) that the survivor is entitled to the remaining account proceeds upon the death of the joint tenant. However, in recent years when the bank signature card cannot be obtained, the courts, in determining whether the account has survivorship rights, look at other extrinsic evidence in making said determination.

For example, the bank representative’s recollection of advising the account holder that the balance in the account would be paid to the survivor upon the death of the other account holder and/or that the bank has a policy that all joint accounts are survivorship accounts, may serve as extrinsic evidence that the account was a joint account with rights of survivorship. The courts have also relied on electronic signature cards having the designation "J" as in "joint account" as evidence in support of the presumption under Section 675 of the Banking Law.

Additional factors the courts have relied upon in support of the presumption of survivorship rights are a joint holder making withdrawals from the account for his or her sole benefit; the decedent receiving statements and cancelled checks for the account; and the absence of evidence that the account holder was incapacitated or the victim of undue influence and/or fraud at the time the account was opened.

Obviously, having extrinsic factual evidence that establishes the intent to create a joint account with rights of survivorship is of great value. However, in my opinion, the best assurance one can have is a copy of the bank signature card, from the time the account was opened, containing the statutory language. This is, in my opinion, the best evidence for warding off any challenges to the survivorship nature of the account upon the death of a joint tenant.

Trending Articles

Introducing the 2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Australia, Japan, New Zealand and Singapore


by Jennifer Verta

This year’s awards reflect the strength of the Best Lawyers network and its role in elevating legal talent worldwide.

2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Australia, Japan, New Zealand and Singapore

Revealing the 2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Germany, France, Switzerland and Austria


by Jamilla Tabbara

These honors underscore the reach of the Best Lawyers network and its focus on top legal talent.

map of Germany, France, Switzerland and Austria

Effective Communication: A Conversation with Jefferson Fisher


by Jamilla Tabbara

The power of effective communication beyond the law.

 Image of Jefferson Fisher and Phillip Greer engaged in a conversation about effective communication

The 2025 Legal Outlook Survey Results Are In


by Jennifer Verta

Discover what Best Lawyers honorees see ahead for the legal industry.

Person standing at a crossroads with multiple intersecting paths and a signpost.

The Best Lawyers Network: Global Recognition with Long-term Value


by Jamilla Tabbara

Learn how Best Lawyers' peer-review process helps recognized lawyers attract more clients and referral opportunities.

Lawyers networking

Jefferson Fisher: The Secrets to Influential Legal Marketing


by Jennifer Verta

How lawyers can apply Jefferson Fisher’s communication and marketing strategies to build trust, attract clients and grow their practice.

Portrait of Jefferson Fisher a legal marketing expert

Is Your Law Firm’s Website Driving Clients Away?


by Jamilla Tabbara

Identify key website issues that may be affecting client engagement and retention.

Phone displaying 'This site cannot be reached' message

A Guide to Workers' Compensation Law for 2025 and Beyond


by Bryan Driscoll

A woman with a laptop screen reflected in her glasses

Best Lawyers Launches CMO Advisory Board


by Jamilla Tabbara

Strategic counsel from legal marketing’s most experienced voices.

Group photo of Best Lawyers CMO Advisory Board members

Common Law Firm Landing Page Problems to Address


by Jamilla Tabbara

Identify key issues on law firm landing pages to improve client engagement and conversion.

Laptop showing law firm landing page analytics

Changes in California Employment Law for 2025


by Laurie Villanueva

What employers need to know to ensure compliance in the coming year and beyond

A pair of hands holding a checklist featuring a generic profile picture and the state of California

New Employment Law Recognizes Extraordinary Stress Is Everyday Reality for NY Lawyers


by Bryan Driscoll

A stressed woman has her head resting on her hands above a laptop

Turn Visitors into Clients with Law Firm Website SEO That Converts


by Jamilla Tabbara

Learn how to create high-converting law firm landing pages that drive client engagement and lead generation.

Laptop screen displaying website tools to improve client conversion rates

Medical Malpractice Reform Trends in Texas, Utah, Georgia and SC


by Bryan Driscoll

A fresh wave of medical malpractice reform is reshaping the law.

Medical Malpractice Reform Trends hed

Best Lawyers Introduces Smithy AI


by Jamilla Tabbara

Transforming legal content creation for attorneys and firms.

Start using Smithy AI, a content tool by Best Lawyers

SEO for Law Firms: Overcoming Common Challenges


by Jamilla Tabbara

Tackle common SEO challenges and take the next step with our guide, How to Make Your Law Firm Easier to Find Online.

Graphic image of a phone displaying SEO rankings, with positions 1, 2 and 3 on the screen