If the cd had both my parents name on it who does the money go to at my fathers death?

In states I live and have lived in, it would go to a beneficiary if one is listed. If no beneficiary-it goes to the estate. I am not an expert just speaking of my experiences.

Usually joint ownership of financial accounts is signified with the notation "JTWROS," which means "Joint Tenants with Rights of Survivorship." This means if one owner dies the other becomes the sole owner of the account. One advantage of this is that it avoids probate. Your mother should go to the bank have the CD retitled in her name alone. To do this she would need to bring along a certified copy of the death certificate.

It was held in both names? It "goes" to the survivor, outside the Will because it's a joint asset.

Sorry, I misread the post.

Is the mother still alive? I guess I can't understand the question from one of the children if mom is still alive, she would just own it.