Detailed answer — how to challenge an administrator who closed a joint account in Iowa

Summary: If your father’s joint bank account was closed by the person serving as administrator (personal representative) of his estate without notice to heirs, you can take steps to protect your rights. The right steps depend on how the account was titled (joint tenancy, tenancy in common, or payable-on-death/POD), whether the administrator has court authority over the funds, and whether the administrator has already spent or transferred money. Below are practical, step-by-step actions to investigate and, if needed, challenge the administrator’s conduct under Iowa law.

1. Immediately gather key documents and evidence

• Obtain the death certificate and a copy of the will (if any) or the probate opening documents.
• Get copies of the bank account title, signature card, online account records, recent statements, and any account agreements showing whether the account was a joint-tenancy-with-right-of-survivorship or had a POD designation.
• Preserve emails, letters, and text messages between you, the administrator, and the bank.

2. Confirm how the account was owned

Ownership determines whether the asset passed automatically to a surviving owner or became estate property:

• If the account was a true joint account with right of survivorship, the surviving joint owner generally owns the funds outright and the money is not part of probate.
• If it was a joint account without right of survivorship (or the bank recorded it differently), or if it was an account payable-on-death (POD) to named beneficiaries, the bank should follow that designation.
• If the account was solely in your deceased father’s name, funds typically become estate assets and fall under probate administration.

3. Ask the bank for an explanation and documentation

Send a written demand (certified mail or email if the bank accepts it) to the bank asking: (a) why the account was closed; (b) to whom funds were disbursed; and (c) for copies of the bank’s internal records and the signature card. Banks keep records of disbursements and can often tell you whether the closure followed a court order or a request from the estate representative.

4. Check probate court records and the administrator’s authority

Find the probate case in the county where your father lived. The Iowa probate process and the duties of a personal representative are governed by Iowa’s estate administration laws. The probate file will show whether the person claiming to be the administrator has court appointment and the scope of that authority. Many probate actions and filings are public through the county clerk.

General Iowa probate law reference: see Iowa Code, chapter 633 (Administration of Estates) for rules on appointment, duties, and accounting by personal representatives. You can review the chapter on the Iowa Legislature site: Iowa Legislature (Iowa Code) and the Iowa Courts self-help probate pages: Iowa Courts — Estate Administration.

5. If the administrator lacks authority or acted improperly, demand an accounting

If a court-appointed personal representative closed the account and moved funds into estate accounts, Iowa law requires the personal representative to keep accurate records and provide an accounting to interested persons. If the administrator refuses to explain, you can ask the probate court to compel an accounting or to require notice to heirs and beneficiaries.

6. File a motion in probate court if needed

If informal requests don’t work, file a motion in the probate court that opened your father’s estate (or to open an estate if none exists). Common motions include:

• Motion to compel an accounting by the personal representative.
• Motion for interim relief or a temporary order to freeze transfers if funds are being dissipated.
• Petition to surcharge or remove the personal representative for breach of fiduciary duty if you can show misappropriation.

7. Consider civil claims (conversion, breach of fiduciary duty)

If the administrator or a third party converted funds that were rightfully owned by a surviving joint owner, you may have a civil claim for conversion or breach of fiduciary duty. If the funds were estate property and the representative misused them, actions in probate court (surcharge, removal, restitution) and civil suits are possible.

8. Report suspected theft or fraud

If you have evidence the administrator intentionally stole funds, consider lodging a report with local law enforcement and filing a complaint with the Iowa Division of Banking or the Iowa Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division. Agencies can investigate banks and financial misconduct.

9. Time limits and deadlines

Act quickly. Probate deadlines, statute of limitations for conversion, and the need to move before funds are dissipated make speed important. Contact the probate clerk to learn relevant filing deadlines in your county.

10. When to consult an attorney

Because probate and trust disputes can be complex and time-sensitive, consult a licensed Iowa attorney experienced in probate and estate litigation if:

• The administrator refuses to provide records or misrepresents authority;
• Funds have been transferred or spent;
• You need to file motions or ask the court for emergency relief.

For general probate guidance from the Iowa courts, see: Iowa Courts — Probate Information.

Helpful Hints

• Preserve evidence: make copies of all documents and record dates of phone calls and in-person conversations.
• Confirm account title: a surviving joint owner’s rights differ sharply from estate assets. The bank’s account title is key.
• Send written requests: use certified mail or email so you have proof of requests for records or explanations.
• Check probate docket online: many Iowa counties publish probate dockets online. The county clerk’s office can help you find filings.
• Don’t transfer or withdraw funds until ownership is clear; doing so can complicate recovery and claims.
• If you suspect theft, document suspicious transfers (recipients, amounts, dates) before they vanish.
• Use available government help: file consumer complaints with the Iowa Attorney General (Iowa Attorney General) or contact the Iowa Division of Banking (Iowa Division of Banking) for bank-related complaints.
• Talk to an attorney early if funds are large or the administrator resists transparency; an attorney can file motions and protect your rights in court.