we are POD on several accounts. Only one is a Checking account. Now sister is joint on that with mom after a “discussion”. I was expressly told I am not “needed” to be on it by sister I said I should be added as joint also and was told “no” by sis. Mom clammed up. How does this work out for me as POD now? I am thinking sis is sole owner if mom passes. And the POD vanishes. What should I do. Mom is 90 and seems to have memory issues and Alzheimer’s symptoms but no formal diagnosis. 2 siblings including me share her care including sis but she is the least helpful for years. Ironically! We have both been named as co executors in her will. Sis likes control and has always controlled mom with mental mind games. Very complicated and Long story.third sibling helps mom with us but is not in her will at all and she is fine with that I am concerned about this new joint status on checking Thanks. PS. I am the oldest sibling—-so much for that!
I don't know how much is kept in checking, but this is likely the smallest of the accounts. If this one done so Sis, who as you say "is in control" can write checks to pay expenses for her mother/your mother.
If you two don't trust one another I think it's sad that you are co-executors, as it will cause a whole lot of dissention.
For myself, I only had one brother. I trusted him and would have with my life. And when he fell ill he made me POA and Trustee of every cent he had. I was meticulous in its care and followed his instructions, while he was able to make them, to the T.
I would, were I you, relieve my mind of this worry. To tell the truth, were your sis to end up with a bit more money, consider it payment for the work she does in primary management for your mom, in bill paying and etc. Just let it go. Don't let money spell ruin to a loving relationship. Just my own opinion.
I found one website with regard to California law which seemed pretty clear. If there’s a right of survivorship written into the joint account, the joint owner takes priority – and the POD only applies when both owners have died.
It states:
“Accounts With a Right of Survivorship
Most joint bank accounts come with what's called the "right of survivorship," meaning that when one co-owner dies, the other will automatically be the sole owner of the account. So, when the first owner dies, the funds in the account belong to the survivor—without probate. If you add a POD designation to this kind of joint account, it will take effect only when the second owner dies. Then, whatever is in the account will go to the POD beneficiary you named.
EXAMPLE: Virginia and Percy keep a joint checking account with several thousand dollars in it. They hold this account as joint tenants with right of survivorship. They decide to name their sons, who are both adults, as POD beneficiaries. After both Virginia and Percy have died, the bank will release whatever is left in the account to the sons, in equal shares.”
https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/free-books/avoid-probate-book/chapter1-3.html
I mentioned this so that you can have an educated discussion, not because I have any legal expertise.