Part 2: Is there another option through the bank? In my previous blog post I discussed the unintended consequence of adding someone to a bank account. The natural question that follows is whether one can authorize someone to help conduct business on a bank account without making that person a co-owner. The answer is yes. My view is the front line banking representatives (tellers, assistant branch managers, etc.) simply are not trained to ask the appropriate follow-up questions.

Part 1: What could go wrong? On a regular basis we see clients in the office who have added a person to their bank account. The typical client will mention it almost in passing as we discuss what things the client has in place in case of some illness or loss of mental capabilities. The description is usually something like this: “I took my son into the bank and had them add him on my bank account so he can take care of my bills if I go into the hospital or something.” At first glance that seems like a solid plan. Is it?