PA LAW • GAWLER & SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Does your will cover your joint bank account? Generally, a joint bank account passes to the surviving account holder rather than to the beneficiaries named in your will. However, account arrangements, contributions and why another person was added can complicate the position. Your estate plan should consider how each asset is owned.
Watch PA Law’s 1 minute 36 second guide • Published 26 September 2026
Watch this video on YouTube
What happens to a joint bank account when one holder dies?
A joint bank account is ordinarily subject to survivorship: the balance passes to the surviving account holder. A will deals with assets forming part of the deceased person’s estate, so naming someone in a will does not necessarily give them a share of a joint account.
The Legal Services Commission of South Australia explains the presumption of survivorship for joint accounts. This general starting point does not resolve every dispute about who beneficially owns the money.
What should you check before making or updating your will?
- What do you own? List your accounts, property and other interests.
- How is each asset owned? Identify sole ownership, joint ownership, company ownership and trust arrangements.
- Will it pass under your will? Consider superannuation and other assets that may require separate arrangements.
- Why is each account held jointly? Explain whether someone was added for convenience and who contributed the funds.
- Do your documents match your intentions? Discuss your intended beneficiaries and any possible uncertainty with your solicitor.
Bring relevant account documents and your existing will to your appointment. PA Law’s estate planning services in Gawler consider asset ownership alongside your wishes.
Common questions about joint bank accounts and wills
Can I leave my share of a joint bank account to my children in my will?
Do not assume that you can. Joint accounts ordinarily pass to the surviving holder, so a gift in your will may not achieve that result. Obtain advice about the account and ownership before relying on a will clause.
What if I added my adult child to the account only to help me?
Adding someone for convenience can create questions about ownership and intention. The account terms, contributions and surrounding circumstances may matter. Explain the arrangement to your solicitor; the names on the account may not answer every legal question.
Does my will deal with my superannuation, company or trust assets?
Not necessarily. These interests require separate consideration. Review the relevant ownership and governing documents as part of your estate plan, rather than assuming everything passes under your will.
Is a joint bank account the same as jointly owned real estate?
Both raise ownership questions, but the arrangements need separate review. For a related property issue, watch Can my partner stay in my home and my children inherit it?
Video transcript
Transcript with punctuation and spelling edited for readability. Timestamps are approximate.
0:00 If you have a joint bank account with your partner, does your share automatically go to the beneficiaries in your will when you die? Generally, no.
0:09 Quick heads up. This is general information, not legal advice for your specific situation.
0:17 A joint bank account will ordinarily pass to the surviving account holder when one account holder dies. And this is something people sometimes overlook when they’re doing their estate planning.
0:25 Your will deals with assets that form part of your estate. But not everything you own or have an interest in necessarily passes under your will.
0:34 Jointly held assets, superannuation, and assets held through companies or trusts can all require separate consideration.
0:42 And this is why estate planning shouldn’t simply be: who do I want to leave everything to? You also need to ask: what do I actually own?
0:52 How is it owned? And will it actually pass under my will? If you’ve added an adult child or another person to a bank account for convenience, or there is uncertainty about who actually contributed the money, the position can also be more complicated.
1:09 So, don’t assume the name on the account necessarily answers every legal question. When we prepare an estate plan, we’re not just looking at the will. We’re looking at how your assets are structured and whether your documents actually achieve what you intend.
1:17 If you’re reviewing your estate planning in South Australia, make sure you’re looking at the whole picture, not just your will.
1:26 The details can vary depending on your facts and jurisdiction. So, if this is you, speak with a local lawyer.
Review your estate planning with PA Law
PA Law assists clients in Gawler, Adelaide and across South Australia. Discuss your assets, family circumstances and intended beneficiaries so your estate plan addresses more than the wording of your will.
Explore wills lawyer services in Gawler or contact PA Law to arrange an appointment.