Most people possess one or more bank accounts. Normally, we can handle our finances without assistance. However, there are times in our lives when age, illness, or other circumstances prevent us from managing our financial affairs. Generally, this affects us most when we lack the physical capacity to pay for goods or services. Commonly, people will try to resolve this issue by adding a family member or close friend to their bank accounts. This process is completed at a financial institution by signing a few forms and generally takes less than an hour. The intent is for the added individual to pay for goods or services when we cannot. In reality, what we have created is a co-owner of our bank account that gives the new owner certain rights that do not always fit the intent and desires of the original owner. This is because adding the new owner makes the account Joint Property.
