What happens to a bank account when somebody dies?

A commonly overlooked aspect of estate planning is what happens to a bank account when someone dies. In many cases, the money in those accounts becomes part of the person’s estate and must go through a legal process before it can be distributed to heirs. But depending on how the account was set up, the process can look very different. Understanding what happens to bank accounts after someone dies can help families avoid confusion, delays, and unnecessary financial stress during an already difficult time. ...