[WSBAPT] U.S. savings bonds automatically JTWROS?

[Eric Nelsen]

I am surprised I have not run into this before, but - I have an estate where the decedent owned US savings bonds with her spouse. Definitely purchased during the marriage and community property. The bonds are registered in name of decedent "or" spouse. Decedent's Will does NOT give community property to the surviving spouse.

According to the US treasury website, ownership of a US savings bond, when registered in two names, automatically transfers to the survivor upon the death of the first. There appears to be no option for holding a bond in multiple names without it being automatically with right of survivorship.

Based on that, I would think that the surviving spouse receives all the bonds, because it is a non-probate right of survivorship. Does anyone know differently?

Thanks as always -

Sincerely,

Eric C. Nelsen
SAYRE LAW OFFICES, PLLC
1320 University St
Seattle WA  98101-2837
phone 206-625-0092
fax 206-625-9040

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