My question involves juvenile law in the State of: California
My son's grandfather deposited $50,000 in a major bank (such as B of A) payable upon death (PUD) of the maternal grandfather. The grandfather died a few years ago. I went to get the money with proof my son lives with me, and I have legal and physical custody, my son's birth certificate, the grandfather's death certificate, our driver's licenses, and more. The bank said I have to wait until my son is 18 or I must go to probate court and become a guardian or conservator. That's crazy!!
Talked to a probate attorney and he said this well-known national bank does this, while other banks do not. This bank won't even transfer the money to the Uniform Gifts account.
Anyone ever heard of this? I don't want to have the expense, nor create a public record. The attorney said the court order from Family Law that I have legal and physical custody is all that's needed, and the bank is wrong.
Does the bank have to show me their regulations on this topic?
Any thoughts ?

