Can I challenge an administrator who closed my father’s joint bank account without notifying heirs?

Short answer: Yes — but the proper steps depend on whether the account was truly a survivorship/joint account, whether the administrator had court authority, and what the bank did. Act quickly: collect documents, demand information in writing, and consider filing motions in Wyoming probate court to compel an accounting, recover funds, or remove the administrator.

Disclaimer: This is general information, not legal advice. For help specific to your facts, talk to a Wyoming probate attorney.

Understanding the legal background in Wyoming

When a person dies, bank accounts can pass in different ways:

• Joint accounts with right of survivorship usually pass to the surviving joint owner outside probate.
• Payable-on-death (POD) or transfer-on-death designations pass to the named beneficiary outside probate.
• Accounts titled solely in the decedent’s name normally become probate assets and are controlled by the personal representative (administrator/executor) after court appointment.

Wyoming’s courts and statutes set the procedures for appointing a personal representative and the duties that representative owes to heirs and beneficiaries. The Wyoming Judicial Branch has probate self-help information here: https://www.courts.state.wy.us/self-help/probate/. You can view Wyoming statutes and search the probate chapters here: https://wyoleg.gov/statutes/.

Detailed answer — step-by-step actions to challenge the closing

Step 1 — Confirm how the account was titled and what the bank did

Get clear evidence of ownership and the bank’s action:

• Obtain copies of the account agreement and title (whose names appear and whether it’s a joint tenancy with right of survivorship or POD).
• Ask the bank in writing why it closed or froze the account and request a copy of any internal notes, court orders, or the administrator’s letters that justified the action.
• Get copies of the decedent’s death certificate and any letters of appointment the administrator claims to have from the probate court.

Why this matters

If the account was a true joint account with survivorship, the surviving joint owner generally owns the funds outright and the administrator normally has no right to drain or close it. If the account was solely in your father’s name, the personal representative needs proper court authority (letters) to handle probate assets.

Step 2 — Demand an explanation and an accounting

Send a written demand to both the bank and the administrator (certified mail, keep copies) asking for:

• The bank’s reason for closing or freezing the account and documents that led to that decision.
• A full accounting from the personal representative showing what happened to the funds, transactions, and where funds were transferred.

Step 3 — Check the probate case file and letters of administration

Visit the county probate court where your father’s estate was opened. Request the case file or check online if available. Look for:

• The petition that appointed the administrator and the issued letters of administration or appointment.
• Any court orders authorizing transfer or distribution of estate assets.

Step 4 — Grounds to challenge the administrator’s conduct

You may be able to challenge the administrator if you can show any of the following:

• The administrator lacked authority to close the account (e.g., the account was survivorship property or the administrator acted before receiving letters).
• Misappropriation or conversion of estate funds.
• Failure to provide required notice or an accounting to heirs and interested persons.
• A conflict of interest or breach of fiduciary duty (failing to act in the best interest of the estate or heirs).

Step 5 — Ask the court for relief

Common court remedies in Wyoming probate matters include:

• Motion to compel an accounting — forces the administrator to disclose transactions and whereabouts of funds.
• Petition to surcharge or require restitution — ask the court to order the administrator to return wrongfully taken funds.
• Petition to remove or replace the administrator for cause — if the administrator breached duties or acted improperly.
• Temporary restraining order or injunction — to freeze transfers or prevent further dissipation of assets while the court resolves the dispute.

File these petitions in the probate court that issued the letters of administration. If you are an interested person (heir, beneficiary, creditor), the court will usually allow you to intervene.

Step 6 — Consider involving the bank directly

Banks often act out of caution. Provide the bank with a certified copy of the death certificate, evidence of account survivorship (if relevant), and any court orders that control. Demand reversal of improper transfers and ask the bank to preserve records for court review.

Practical timeline and evidence checklist

• Collect immediately: account statements, account agreement, death certificate, correspondence with administrator and bank.
• Within days: send written demands to bank and administrator; get certified copies of probate filings from the county clerk.
• Within weeks: consult a probate attorney and consider filing petition(s) in probate court if the administrator refuses to cooperate.

Helpful Hints

• Preserve documents and communications. Save bank emails, letters, and any signed receipts.
• Act quickly. The longer funds are moved or spent, the harder recovery becomes.
• Request a full accounting early. Many disputes resolve once the records are produced.
• Use certified mail so you have proof of your demands and the bank/administrator’s responses.
• If the administrator claims authority, ask for certified Letters of Administration from the court — banks typically rely on those to act.
• Talk to a Wyoming probate attorney about emergency court motions (temporary injunctions or turnover orders).
• Search Wyoming probate statutes and court resources: https://wyoleg.gov/statutes/ and https://www.courts.state.wy.us/self-help/probate/.

When to hire an attorney

Consider hiring a Wyoming probate attorney if:

• The administrator refuses to provide an accounting or return funds.
• Large sums are involved or funds were transferred to third parties.
• You need emergency court relief (freeze on assets or removal of administrator).

An attorney can draft court pleadings, argue emergency relief, and represent you at hearings. If cost is a concern, ask about limited-scope representation (help with a single motion) or check whether your county offers self-help clinics.

Closing summary

If an administrator closed your father’s joint account without notifying heirs, start by documenting the account title and the bank’s actions, demand records and an accounting, check the probate file for letters of administration, and then ask the probate court for relief if needed. Use the Wyoming Judicial Branch probate resources and the Wyoming statutes portal for background. Because probate litigation can be time-sensitive and fact-specific, consider consulting a Wyoming probate attorney as soon as possible.

Reminder: This information is educational only and does not create an attorney-client relationship or constitute legal advice. For specific legal guidance, contact a licensed attorney in Wyoming.