Asserting my rights as the owner (or beneficiary?) of an account that falls under the UTMA

r/

Location: Michigan

Hi — Sorry in advance if I forget and/or leave out any pertinent details. I will try to clarify in the replies.

For the past two-ish years, I’ve been trying and failing to gain full control over a savings account that was opened under my name as a minor. My mother, being the custodian of my savings AND checking account, would often deposit money from my checking account (paychecks, scholarships, award money, etc.) into my savings over the years. As per the UTMA, this savings account and its funds were supposed to be transferred over to me upon my 18th birthday, as that is the age of majority in Michigan. Not only has my mother refused to let me see the money that I contributed to the savings account throughout my childhood, but she’s also refused to begin the process of transferring the account to my name. I followed up with the bank on multiple occasions, at first asking how I could begin the process of receiving the funds via providing my ID and other identification, to which they refused. I then asked the bank to freeze activity on the account, knowing my uber vindictive mother would likely try to drain my savings, to which the bank again said NO, and promptly hung up on me thereafter.

I’m not sure which type of attorney to reach out to or how to move forward, but I need access to this money ASAP because I’m newly homeless. pls help!!

Comments

  1. reddituser1211 Avatar

    Why do you think this is a UTMA account (as opposed to some more mundane joint account, or even just mom’s account).

    >I followed up with the bank on multiple occasions

    You think the bank is a co-conspirator with mom here? Why?