DAS is unable to close any bank accounts if there are joint owners listed on the bank account. Under Connecticut General Statute 36a-292, the State is entitled to the decedent’s share of the account balance at the time of the decedent’s death. For example, if the balance of the bank account was $1,000 on the day your loved one passed and you are listed as a joint account holder along with the decedent, DAS is entitled to $500. The bank balance at the time of death is divided by the number of joint account holders.
In addition, if the decedent had a pre-paid funeral contract which specifies the goods and services covered by the contract, any services above and beyond the services specified in the contract are considered extra and are the responsibility of the family who agreed to such additional charges. Unfortunately, the decedent’s share due to DAS must be paid by the family. DAS is unable to waive or grant an exception to the family.
