Can Bank Withhold Information??

[lucyscap]

California

This question regards a bank in California.
I am durable power of attorney for my uncle in PA who has dementia and is in assisted living. He had a joint bank account in California where he used to reside. He had a history of setting up joint accounts with family members to avoid probate with the understanding that the monies were for the other owners after his death. While taking account of his assets I discovered that one of the joint parties cleaned out a jointly held account ( I have the bank book in my possession) 2 months ago. I asked the bank for documentation so I could show my uncle what happened and they said they could send a statement but it would not include the name of the party who withdrew it. The woman at the bank said it was a "sensitive" issue and her manager told her to do it that way. Is this correct??!! I realize it was a joint account and the bank cannot be held liable--but morally and ethically this person in my opinion stole the money---and has had zero contact with my uncle. What can I do about this??

 

[JETX]

Sorry, but with a POA, you do NOT have the right to access the banks information.

 

[lucyscap]

Then....

Thanks for your reply.
How then, can I obtain the information to show my uncle what occurred??
I thought durable power of attorney gave me the same powers my uncle would have.
If his name was on that account isn't that his right?

 

[BlondiePB]

Third parties are under no obligation to accept a POA.

 

[Dandy Don]

If he intended the monies to go to the joint account owner, you have no business trying to make any changes to the account and should leave things as they are.