In 2007 I became my Father's legal Power of Attoney. In January 2008, he died. My father had two accounts, one which was a joint that him and his wife shared, and a separate account that no one knew about, but me. Now, what steps can I take to receive my father's money from the separate account? Does all the money in both accounts goes to his wife, even though he had a separate account that she had no knowledge about?

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Originally Posted by Rendell J

In 2007 I became my Father's legal Power of Attoney. In January 2008, he died. My father had two accounts, one which was a joint that him and his wife shared, and a separate account that no one knew about, but me. Now, what steps can I take to receive my father's money from the separate account? Does all the money in both accounts goes to his wife, even though he had a separate account that she had no knowledge about?

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The P/A died when your father died. Depending on whether there was a Will and the State you are in the separate account could go his wife or the two of you could each get a share.

The person in charge of his estate would be the only person authorized to close the account - you cannot do it unless you are in charge of the estate.

If the separate account was only in his name, then its now part of his estate. The executor of the estate has to distribute it according to the will or inheritance laws.