[WSBAPT] Possible to Reject a TOD?

[Philip N. Jones]

This question usually comes up in connection with joint accounts, and the son needs to decide whether mom really intended him to inherit, or were they merely convenience accounts.  But in your case, the accounts are TOD, so it appears that mom intended son to receive the accounts on death, unless mom thought TOD was simply a way to avoid probate.
If he disclaims the TOD designation, do the accounts pass to his children, or to the estate?  Hi might consider disclaiming the TOD designation, but specifically state that he is not disclaiming an interest in the probate estate.
On the other hand, he might simply make gifts to his siblings, if he believes that he will never have a federal taxable estate.
Phil Jones
Portland, OR

From: wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com <wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com> On Behalf Of Brent Williams-Ruth
Sent: Monday, December 02, 2019 4:31 PM
To: WSBA Probate & Trust Listserv <WSBAPT at lists.wsbarppt.com>
Subject: [WSBAPT] Possible to Reject a TOD?

Good Afternoon List -

I have an estate where the oldest son (also the Executor) was listed as a TOD on all of by his mother's bank accounts, except for $27,000.  He wants to honor her wishes and distribute in accordance with the terms of her Will which had $30,000 in charitable donations and then an equal division between 7 people.

Is is possible to simply disclaim an interest in a TOD? He was his mother's POA but did not realize that years ago she added him to all of her bank accounts as the TOD.

Appreciate any thoughts,
Brent

Brent Williams-Ruth
Attorney-At-Law

Law Offices of Brent Williams-Ruth, a division of BWR Consulting, PLLC

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